Supporting People Programme Research Articles

What Should a Support Program for People with Lung Cancer Look Like? Differing Attitudes of Patients and Support Group Facilitators

Patients with lung cancer have higher levels of unmet need for psychosocial support than those with other cancers. However, uptake of existing support programs by patients with lung cancer is low. We explored this issue by seeking the views of patients and support group facilitators. Surveys of a convenience sample of 100 patients with lung cancer and all support group facilitators registered with Cancer Council Victoria (n = 145) were performed. Respondents were asked about preferred content, location, running, and potential barriers to attendance of a lung cancer support program. The response rate from facilitators was 51%. Fifty-three percent of patients reported willingness to attend a support program, although only 12% had previously attended a group. Patients showed a preference for any program to be held at a hospital (p = 0.01), whereas facilitators preferred a community setting (p < 0.001). Patients preferred facilitation by a health professional, rather than a volunteer p < 0.001), whereas facilitators preferred a volunteer. Patients preferred sessions primarily focused on cancer information provision rather than emotional support, whereas facilitators rated emotional support as highly as cancer information. Overall, patients perceived fewer barriers to attendance than facilitators. Both agreed that a group environment, discussing their cancer, parking, and travel were barriers to attendance. Disparities in the views of patients and facilitators about the preferred location, type of facilitator, and content of a support program may in part explain the poor uptake of existing support programs by patients with lung cancer and should be considered in the design of future programs.

The effectiveness of the Supporting People programme — a look at the recent Audit Commission review

The Audit Commission has produced a review of the Supporting People programme covering the period 2005‐2009. This article summarises the review, which covers the impact of the Supporting People programme, a review of the Government's response to the Audit Commission's 2005 report, an assessment of ongoing and new challenges and options for overcoming identified barriers. Although there is evidence of poor understanding and implementation in some areas, overall the benefits of good housing‐related support services and their preventative value remain important.

Supporting strengths: the work of Julian Housing

The pat ten years have seen sweeping changes in the way that housing‐related support services are being delivered across Britain. We are only now beginning to take stock of a wide range of exciting and innovative projects, and the potential role of these models in promoting social inclusion and in the modernisation of community mental health services.A series of articles in the next three issues of A Life in the Day will be exploring a number of emerging themes, illustrated through the examples of innovative services that demonstrate what can be achieved when working from a housing support base. The series begins with an article by Tom Wilson and Anne McCrudden on the work of Julian Housing Trust, a mental health charity that provides a wide range of housing support services across Norwich and Norfolk.Julian Housing has blended recovery principles with a strengths model to develop a clear and coherent philosophy that underpins all their work. Their success demonstrates the close affinity between the person‐centred principles of the Supporting People programme and contemporary thinking about social inclusion in community mental health practice.Robin Johnson National Social Inclusion Programme

Supported living through Supporting People: the experiences of people with learning disabilities

This article reports the findings of research which examined the impact that the Supporting People programme has had on housing and support for adults with learning disabilities. The issue was explored from the perspectives of local Supporting People teams, commissioners and providers of specialist learning disability social care services, and people with learning disabilities themselves.

Supporting family members of people with severe mental illness

Objective:The present study focuses on the impact of integration of family support components to a community support program for people with severe mental illness.Methods:We believe that family members of people with mental illness need emotional and practical supports to lesson their burden and to achieve self-fulfillment. The more they live a fulfilling life, the more likely they will be able to keep a good relationship with a person with mental illness. Therefore, we utilize five specific interventions; 1) case management for family members, 2) direct support, 3) adjustment of relationship between family members and person with mental illness, 4) cooperation with housing program and respite care program, 5) family psychoeducation program. After interviewing family members regarding our services, process of changes in family members were analyzed by utilizing the stage of changes model (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983). From this analysis, we identified the appropriate intervention for each stage and effectiveness of each intervention.Results and ConclusionSince many people with mental illness are living with their families in Japan, family support needs to be a major and fundamental component of community support programs. This present analysis shows the importance of family support suited to their stage of change, since family circumstance improves when family members have more mental elbowroom while being supporters. Even though our experience is from a specific cultural background, we believe that it would be adaptable enough for other programs with various cultural backgrounds.

The health impact of floating support

Under the Supporting People Programme, low‐level ‘floating’ support is available to help vulnerable people live independently in their own accommodation. There is a good deal of research to indicate that this sort of support, particularly in social housing, is effective in helping people to sustain their tenancies, and that their well‐being and self‐esteem are improved as a result. However, there is little empirical evidence on the overall health impact of support. As part of a broader evaluation of a floating support service, this longitudinal study used the SF‐36 health questionnaire, complemented by in‐depth interviews, and found evidence of health gain.

The way forward for Supporting People: Challenges and opportunities for BME organisations

At a significant time in the development of the Supporting People programme, this article considers the focus on individual service users, the proposals put forward to achieve it and the impact of this emphasis, reflecting the wider policy focus in other public services and the inherent tensions between the stated aims and delivery in a context of limited resources. In particular it focuses on the role of and impact on black and minority ethic (BME) providers.

The support plan: Centrepiece of high‐quality service or missed opportunity?

The support plan is central to the Supporting People programme. A service user without one is not eligible for funding, and it forms a core objective of the formal Quality Assessment Framework. This article suggests not only that many support plans are not in place, but also that others are implemented poorly. This is a missed opportunity to deliver high‐calibre services, be accountable to the service user and address some of the key factors which make for a successful outcome.

Review of supported housing in South West England

A partnership of agencies in South West England commissioned a review of supported housing, with the primary aim of linking supported housing (and the Supporting People programme) with other regional strategies and initiatives such as housing, health, crime reduction and community safety. The review produced a new conceptual framework for the planning and management of housing and support services, with a strong emphasis on aims and outcomes. It also brought together data on current services across the region and identified key trends and issues to be addressed. Many of the recommendations and proposals have been incorporated into the draft Regional Housing Strategy, due to be finalised in May 2005.

Supporting People: Slicing the cake

The question of how local authorities will manage fixed budgets for the Supporting People (SP) programme raises concerns among service users and providers. These concerns are compounded by the introduction of the new distribution formula that is intended eventually to even out spending across authorities; some people will see their slice of the cake grow, and for others their slice will be nibbled away.It is unfortunate, if perhaps inevitable, that the debate about SP has become mired with the issue of funding. Quality and continuous improvement have become confused with the determination of value for money. Commissioners and providers squabbling over funding streams have compromised the ideals of person‐centred services. But is it all too easy to focus on the difficulties within the programme? This article will examine the debate over eligibility for SP funding in the light of the wider aims of the programme. It will consider the implications for service users and providers and look at the broader influences on the climate of housing with care and support.

Managing risk for tenants with mental health problems and offending histories

Investigation of the move‐on needs of patients from Ravenswood Medium Secure Unit in Hampshire has shown that more independent community‐based accommodation is required. Such schemes are now part of the Supporting People programme and need to incorporate effective risk management systems for this client group, with an agenda for inclusion and low‐level support. The paper considers risk factors and describes an innovative out‐of‐hours support service funded through Supporting People which takes a preventative approach.

Supporting People: Whatever next?

This article contrasts the practice of implementation with the initial principles set out for the Supporting People programme. Key questions remain unanswered about long‐term funding, tenure, choice and regulation. There are fundamental issues to be addressed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and local authorities with the introduction of Supporting People Grant in April 2003.

Best value: Using the framework to meet the needs of the consumer

The Supporting People programme will bring about significant changes to the way in which support services are funded and delivered. The Best Value framework provides a key process for achieving the objectives of the Supporting People programme and can underpin the role of service users. A Best Value good practice guide is due to be published shortly by the Housing Corporation, drawing lessons from a number of pilot studies.

An overview of the Supporting People programme

Supporting People All the Way, a review for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation by Steve Griffiths, examines the Supporting People programme in the context of other government plans. Looking at the boundary between residential care and the Supporting People programme, the review finds arbitrary divisions which undermine the programme's objectives, and argues for a redrawing of the boundary with a more coherent relationship between the Government's commitments to foster independent living and to provide personal care.

Learning to live with cancer: the UK experience of a European patient education and support programme.

'Learning to Live with Cancer' is a structured education and support programme for people with cancer and their families. The UK programme, now in its third year, is based on the original American 'I Can Cope' educational package pioneered by Dr Judi Johnson. The Learning to Live with Cancer programme was developed collaboratively between Judi Johnson and Dr Gertrud Grahn, Sweden. Based on sound educational principles, it has been promoted by the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS). The complexities of an individual's response to the diagnosis of cancer is well documented. Needs for information and support will change throughout the cancer experience. The Learning to Live with Cancer programme aims to educate patients and families in order that people gain a greater understanding and can explore ways of managing illness better. An 8-week course of 2 h each week provides opportunities for learning, sharing experiences and mutual support in meeting others undergoing a similar experience. Ongoing work, now in progress, aims to develop further Learning to Live with Cancer courses for professionals to facilitate in cancer centres throughout the UK.

The Response of Healthcare Services to People at Risk of Suicide: a Qualitative Study

This paper describes a small qualitative research study conducted in the area of suicide. Family and close friends of 15 young people who lived in Sydney, New South Wales, prior to their suicide, between 1990 and 1995, were interviewed to elicit their perceptions of the healthcare support given to the suicidees prior to their death. Content analysis of in-depth interview transcripts identifying common themes in the description of the participants' experiences and impressions was carried out. A recurring theme was their call for more proactive management and support programs for people at risk of suicide, as well as education and support for close family and friends. Participants claimed that they believed there were inadequate supports in place, that information and education were uncoordinated and sparse, and that healthcare workers were not effective in preventing suicide attempts because they lacked adequate diagnostic and management skills and displayed poor attitudes towards suicidees. Experiences of care received and suggestions for improving them by people closely associated with suicide, provide healthcare staff with important information about the types of information, education and support that those at risk of suicide and their loved ones require at a time of crisis.