Abstract
Young people experience worsening mental health and long waits for care. Voluntary and community sector organisations increasingly augment mental healthcare and there is increasing awareness of the value of community involvement in practice and research, yet few clinical psychologists are undertaking this work.Given the role of voluntary organisations in augmenting mental healthcare, research into their engagement experiences is warranted.
This study aims to evidence the design and implementation of a community-based participatory action research project, exploring key worker and client engagement experiences within a charitable organisation offering mental healthcare to young people.
Semi-structured interviews with key workers and clients were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings illustrate the clinical utility of a community-based participatory action research framework for clinical psychologists in research with voluntary and community organisations. Three main themes were identified, ‘engagement is not an island’, ‘engagement is not always straightforward, but the reward is great’ and ‘adaptability is great, but times are tough, and we need more!’
Considerations for community-based participatory action research and engagement, in clinical psychology and mental health services, along with research recommendations were discussed.
| Date of Award | 9 Sept 2024 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Pete Keohane (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)) |