Page 26 - WCEN Dr Rochelle Burgess evaluation report\ Baloon

However, Campbell (2014) suggests that when social
constructionist positions on power are applied to
CASE STUDY OF COPRODUCTION: understanding community mobilisation for health,
IMPROVING ACCESS TO opportunities to identify and build on changes are
PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES regained. For example, Michel Foucault’s (1988) views of
power as more complex, fragmented and diffused through
relationships and systems in society suggests that groups
SWLSTG were keen to provide who are traditionally seen as lacking in power actually
“Talking Therapies” in locations that have power available at their disposal. Within the
were more local to communities, with proposed model, this is highlighted in the bottom-up
a focus on groups who have transfer of power from communities to statutory partners
previously not been able to access this
support. BME communities in in the process of establishing safe social spaces. Under
particular are underrepresented in the umbrella of this alternative perspective on power, the
these services. small changes created by a process of developing
relationships emerge as crucial to a process of wider
A series of conversations were systems change and social change. The subsequent
developed with service and chapter in this report highlights how this critical phase
community representatives working trickles down into discrete changes in three areas:
together to deconstruct the language, identities, ideas and practices.
methods and tropes that are
associated with mental health and the
stigma and taboo around presenting
for therapies; whilst reconstructing an
approach and practice that was
sensitive to faith, racial and cultural
needs.

This led to the recognition that local
people who are acknowledged and
trusted as having leadership roles are
often better placed, because of their
resonance and connection, to invite
others from within their own
communities into conversation and
relationship; acting as enablers and
facilitators into the service.

A series of Talking Therapy
workshops located in community sites
were established, in Churches, a
Drop-In Centre for Single Mothers and
Parents, a South Asian Care
Organisation which attracted over 50
“hard-to-reach” women to attend the
introductory session – all co-facilitated
by local leaders, who also had direct
input into the design and delivery of
the workshop content, ensuring that
cultural nuance and references were
included to make the offer more
connective and appropriate to need.

This approach is being developed,
adapted and extended to other
communities and groups, including
accredited training programmes for co
facilitators (e.g. in assessment and
triage)