The importance of step-down programmes: the Imago group

Abstract

Purpose

The Imago group was developed in 2010 as a step-down group for members of the Winterbourne Therapeutic Community (TC) who had completed their treatment. This paper aims to review the usefulness of the group by reflecting on service user and staff feedback.

Design/methodology/approach

An opportunity sample of all current and ex-members of the Imago group (n=17) were approached and a mixed methods design was used to gain a wide collection of data. A self-report questionnaire was designed to access the opinions of members and staff about the Imago group. In total, 71 per cent of Imago members and 90 per cent of staff responded.

Findings

Results show that “staff being familiar”, “reconnecting with fellow ex-TC members” and alternating days were the top three most helpful aspects of the group, whereas “having at least 4 weeks away from the TC before attending the Imago Group”, “style of session” and “venue” were found to be the least helpful aspects.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study centre round data collection. There were comprehension problems with the instructions for completing the quantitative scale and a small sample size meant that interpretations were tentative.

Originality/value

The Imago group is deemed a valuable part of the service for many of the service users (and staff), helping to aid recovery and re-integration into life after therapy. Elements of the group which were rated as least helpful require more thinking about.

Citation

D. Williams, A., Bickford-Smith, E., King, C. and Tagg, A. (2013), "The importance of step-down programmes: the Imago group", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 144-156. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-09-2012-0025