Not for Profit Business Association

Community-Based Progression Training

Joan McCarthyProgramme Development Officer

National Learning Network

Project Outline (1) Rehabilitative Training

National Learning Network provides 34% of all RT

training places funded by the HSE

Person - centered around meeting individual needs

Based on consultation with funders and Service Users

Capacity to develop programmes to meet needs of

specific groups e.g. mental health, acquired brain injury

Project Outline (2) Progression

Programmes Provide Opportunities for Participants to: Develop personal, interpersonal and communication skills Make independent and informed choices Explore recreational, social and community opportunities Make significant personal, health and social gains Develop direction in their life Achieve certification (FETAC)

Project Outline (3) FOCUS

Example of RT Programme – FOCUS :

Community-based programme for people with mental

health difficulties

One-year duration

Developed by National Learning Network in

partnership with Health Service Executive

Identification of Needs (1)

External consultation with Mental Health Services, Disability Guidance Services, Service Users, Health Professionals

Internal consultation with Service Users, support team and national services

Consultation with potential clients in local communities Establishment of links with local and national support groups,

leisure facilities, etc. Community audits to establish community profile Piloted in three locations

Identification of Needs (2)

Participants are People with Mental Health Difficulties Living in the Community and who may be Experiencing: Stigma and social isolation Marginalisation and inability to access mainstream training Lack of personal and social skills to manage mental health A readiness to return to work, education, or occupational

activities

Processes used (1) Aim and Objectives

Aim :Meaningful and holistic service to people with mental

ill-health in their own communitiesObjectives :

Social and community integrationSelf-advocacyActive client participationHealth and social gainsVocational explorationMeaningful partnerships with stakeholders

Processes Used (2) Training Specification

4 Main Elements of FOCUS Programme :

Personal Development

Community Integration

Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Vocational Orientation

Processes Used (3) Client Participation

Identification of individual needs

Determination of own goals

Individual Action Plans

Monthly Reviews

Organising weekly individual / group activities

Participant group meetings

Impact/Outcomes (1)

Outcomes Recorded for Individuals (324) who have Exited the Focus Programmes

2003 - 2007

Progression to employment 65 (20%)

Progression to training or education 129 (40%)

Medical discharges 71 (22%)

Other 59 (18%)

Impact/Outcomes (2)

Most Common Themes Emerging from 29 Exit Interviews with

Participants on Focus Programmes

69%

52%48%

45%

38%34% 34%

24%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Most Common Personal Outcomes

Perc

enta

ge o

f Res

pons

es

Increase in Social Contacts

Healthier Lifestyle

Computer Skills

Routine

More Focused

Improved Confidence/Outlook

Greater Involvement in Community

Stress Management

Impact / Outcomes (3)

Testimonials :

“It has its benefits in being external from the Mental Health Services…We have seen great benefits i.e. less admission to hospital, less visits to outpatients and less home visits.”

Community Mental Health Nurse, Middleton

“Their self-esteem and social skills improved dramatically which is confirmed by family members.”

Community Mental Health Nurse, Skibbereen

Impact / Outcomes (3 cont.)

Testimonials (cont.)

“It gives them a lease of life that psychiatric services could not give them. The clients experience a self-esteem boost and it gives them hope, both of which are absolutely essential…A good working relationship between the programme staff and psychiatric services is essential and this way of working together is the way forward…There is potential need for this programme in every town in Ireland.”Consultant Psychiatrist, Middleton / North Lee

Impact / Outcomes (3 cont.)

Testimonials (cont.)

“In regard to the Focus programme, our perspective within the Multidisciplinary Team is an extremely positive one. The direct experiences of patients related to me in outpatient clinic and of relatives is universally positive…The confidence and skills learned are very important for the journey of recovery and normalisation in life.”

Consultant Psychiatrist, West Cork

Impact / Outcomes (3 cont.)

Testimonials (cont.)

“Before I started the programme, I was all over the place…After one year on this Focus programme, my mental health is fantastic and so is my physical health.”

Participant, Cobh

Impact / Outcomes (3 cont.)

Testimonials (cont.)

“Before I started the course, I was very depressed and lazy. I would not get out of bed for the day…A year on this course has been fantastic. I have lost weight; I can walk to and from the course. I’m not afraid to go outside…I have learned that I am a better person. I am able to do things for myself again.”

Participant , Cobh

Measurements and Continuous Improvement Processes (1)

Measurements :SEW / BILD

Individual Action Plans

Monthly Reviews

Monitoring of Outcomes

Exit Interviews

Feedback from Mental Health Services

Measurements and Continuous Improvement Processes (2)

Continuous Improvement Processes :Bi-Monthly team meetings

Review meetings of programmes as they end

involving participants and staff

Programme reviews

Review meeting involving staff from all Focus

programmes

Continuous Improvement Review

Key Learning Points for the Organisation

Value and challenges of community integration approach

Importance of supporting participants to make

meaningful links that will continue after programme has

ended

Benefits of good partnership with Mental Health Services

Attraction of neutral locations for participants

Good communication is essential

Learning transferred / use for NFPBA member organisations

Flexible duration

Community integration

Partnership approach

Importance of having system in place to deal

with participants who become unwell

Communication

Thank You