Research Watch: making social inclusion happen through community-based projects

Abstract

Purpose

This Research Watch reviews two recent papers reporting on work that seemed to increase social inclusion for people with mental health diagnoses.

Design/methodology/approach

The first paper is about a social inclusion project spanning three European countries and using a novel approach to research. Mental health professionals and service users worked together and visited projects in the other countries, sharing their learning about social inclusion. The second paper is about a 12-session art course in a community setting. Participants completed questionnaires before and after, and some gave feedback in a focus group. Their responses were compared with people not on the course.

Findings

The cross-Europe project seemed to create social inclusion by its very nature and activities. Staff and service users created together their understanding of social inclusion. Inclusion encompassed work and education, but also went beyond these to having safe places to work and learn together. Participants of the art course reported increased well-being and social inclusion, and some felt more able to go on to voluntary work afterwards. People who were on the waiting list did not report these improvements, but those of them who went onto the next art course later reported similar improvements.

Originality/value

The cross-Europe project used a novel collaborative research method and spanned three countries. The study of the art course was the first to capture improved social inclusion in people with a range of mental health needs following attendance of a therapeutic art course rather than ‘art psychotherapy’ compared with a comparison group not attending the course.

Citation

Holttum, S. (2013), "Research Watch: making social inclusion happen through community-based projects", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 172-177. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-08-2013-0030