Structured community activity for forensic mental health – a feasibility study

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-12-2014-0049
Published date10 August 2015
Pages180-191
Date10 August 2015
AuthorCatherine Roberts,Jason Davies,Richard G. Maggs
Subject MatterHealth & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice
Structured community activity for forensic
mental health a feasibility study
Catherine Roberts, Jason Davies and Richard G. Maggs
Catherine Roberts is based at
Taith Newydd Low Secure
Service, Abertawe Bro
Morgannwg University Health
Board, Bridgend, UK.
Dr Jason Davies is a Consultant
Forensic and Clinical
Psychologist at Taith Newydd
Low Secure Service, Abertawe
Bro Morgannwg University
Health Board, Bridgend, UK
and Department of Applied
Psychology, Cardiff
Metropolitan University,
Cardiff, UK.
Dr Richard G. Maggs is based
at Taith Newydd Low Secure
Service, Abertawe Bro
Morgannwg University Health
Board, Bridgend, UK and
School of Medicine, Swansea
University, Swansea, UK.
Abstract
Purpose The restrictive nature of low secure mental health settings and the issues associated with risk
management and safe practice raise numerous challenges which need to be overcome for individuals to
engage in community-based programmes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach Two community-based schemes are described. The first uses the
natural environment as a medium in which to deliver opportunities to develop vocational skills. The second
provides exercise-based activity to promote healthier living. This paper aims to explore the acceptability,
feasibility and sustainability of the projects along with the views and achievements of participants.
Findings Both schemes were well-attended with positive views from participants and others. Planned
positive risk taking enabled individuals to participate in a safe and structured way. Initial evaluation of the
projects suggest that they were viewed as acceptable by theservice and valued by participants. Participation
led to some individuals engaging in new opportunities for vocational and leisure activities.
Practical implications Fostering access to community-based occupational opportunities for those in
low secure mental health services can be achieved safely and with numerous apparent benefi ts.
Research is now needed to determine further the nature and extent of the gains made through such
activity.
Originality/value This is the first known study of its kind utilising inter-agency collaboration to address
the needs of those residing in a low secure mental health facility. Within the forensic mental health
population, the standards of care recommend a comprehensive, recovery-focused approach aimed at
building resilience and preventing relapse, with the need for thorough intervention for physical health
needs. This study supports these recommendations by providing opportunities for planned positive
risk taking, opportunities for social inclusion, skills development, increased access to physical exercise
to address overall wellbeing.
Keywords Occupational therapy, Forensic mental health, Low secure, Outdoor activity environment,
Planned positive risk taking, Vocational skills
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Low secure mental health services within England and Wales aim to provide intensive,
comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment and care [] underpinned by the principles of
rehabilitation and risk management(Department of Health, 2002). Many of the individuals within
such settings will have a history of offending and/or challenging behaviour and will usually be
subject to the Mental Health Act (2007). Typically, individuals are admitted through transfer from
prison, from another forensic mental health service or from a general psychiatry/acute ward
environment. Studies have reported the characteristics of low secure units (Pereira et al., 2006b)
and the typical patient characteristicsfor those placed in such services (see Pereira et al.,
2006a). These include being male, single, having a psychotic disorder, a history of violence and
presenting with complex needs.
Received 5 December 2014
Revised 8 April 2015
Accepted 8 April 2015
PAGE180
j
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
j
VOL. 17 NO. 3 2015, pp. 180-191, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794 DOI 10.1108/JFP-12-2014-0049

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