Innovations in Mental Health challenged frontline workers, service users and carers to come up with new ways to deliver mental health services.
Eleven projects were selected and piloted to find out how we can strengthen, support and spread good ideas so they can become effective interventions. One thing we've learnt is that cash alone is not what people want, so we provided business mentoring and support as well as funding.
We were joined in our support of these projects by various infrastructure bodies in the sector such as the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Media, Mind, Rethink and the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health. Together we were able to help frontline workers navigate the system and extend their networks.
We believe frontline workers need support if they're to develop ideas. Their work needs to be recognised, they need financial support and they need the time to test and prove their insights. This might mean encouraging them to take a break from the pressures of service delivery, so they can turn their insights into a service offer.
Animations in Therapy
This project explores the therapeutic potential of animation for vulnerable children and families.
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Seed Project
A designer working in the NHS has devised a way of engaging mentally ill peoplein the re-design of their own environment.
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Trading Places
This project sees service users trade places with paid staff and, with their support, undertake all aspects of running a drop-in centre for homeless people.
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Computers for People with Dementia
This project will evaluate the benefits of computer-based activities for people with dementia.
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Human Resources Kit
The 'Human Resource Kit' includes materials that individuals can use to support their own mental well-being.
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Step Forward
This project aims to help vulnerable mental health patients take a major step forward in their own healing and recovery by building self-esteem.
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Let's Talk
This project will engage users of the mental health system in the creation of a series of communication skills workshops and an online learning resource.
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Exposing Subtle Abuse
This project aims to raise awareness of staff and tenants in a housing association to the various forms of 'subtle abuse' targeted at vulnerable mentally ill people.
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Power of Voice
This project will take an existing patient feedback service, Patient Opinion, and develop the idea for the mental health sector.
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Slam & Vauxhaul City Farm
This project will use a city farm to provide practical therapy for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers and help them adjust to life in a new country.
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