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More than words – intergenerational participation and mental health

Amy Ball (Participation Worker based at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in East Sussex, UK)
Rivkah Cummerson (Participation Worker based at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in East Sussex, UK)

Mental Health and Social Inclusion

ISSN: 2042-8308

Article publication date: 17 November 2011

246

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to describe intergenerational participation work undertaken at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust with young and older people using mental health services where participants learn how to interview, role play, and put radio shows together.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, younger and older people reflect on age and mental health discrimination through the production of radio programmes.

Findings

Radio provided fun and the acquisition of new skills, resulting in a product that could reach a wide audience. Intergenerational work gave participants an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and gain confidence, with positive effects on personal recovery and social inclusion.

Social implications

The radio programme invites listeners to challenge their own prejudices in relation to age and mental health.

Originality/value

The project is innovative in its intergenerational approach, its partnership between the NHS and an outside media facilitator, and the collaboration between participation workers across health departments.

Keywords

Citation

Ball, A. and Cummerson, R. (2011), "More than words – intergenerational participation and mental health", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 175-182. https://doi.org/10.1108/20428301111186813

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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