Not for Profit Business Association

Community-Based Progression Training Joan McCarthy Programme 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 communities  Objectives :  Social and community integration  Self-advocacy  Active client participation  Health and social gains  Vocational exploration  Meaningful 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  Progression to employment65 (20%)  Progression to training or education 129 (40%)  Medical discharges 71 (22%)  Other 59 (18%)

Impact/Outcomes (2)

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