UK’s Approach to the Mental Health Recovery Model

In doing a bit of cross-cultural examination a co-worker of mine has been looking into characteristics the mental health recovery model in England has taken on. As discussed in an article ”What Is Mental Health Recovery”, there are definitely cultural differences in the mental health recovery model between countries.

More specifically, the United Kingdom tends to use more peer mentorship and peer counseling programs than American practitioners of recovery do; this is allowed to a large extent because mental ailments in the United States are often followed by alienation from one’s social network whereas in the U.K. the social network not only stands by, but views it as an obligation to support a friend or loved one who is trying to recovery from a mental illness.

The UK Mental Health Recovery Model video introduces an interesting topic. The speed at which UK practitioners can get someone into mental healthcare is amazing; generally a mental healthcare worker will receive a referral from a general practitioner, and the consumer will receive a call three days later regarding an appointment.

In Essex, those consumers recovering from a mental illness are employed on an organic farm wherein they raise cabbages, Brussel sprouts, and a number of other vegetables for both consumption and for sale at the local market. This keeps those recovering from a mental illness busy (which is very beneficial for those who are suffering from ailments such as depression), while empowering them with a purpose of employment.

A very interesting take on the mental health recovery model. American practitioners are likewise aiming at providing employment opportunities for mental health consumers, but as of yet I haven’t heard of a work-group for organic farming! The recovery rate seems to be fairly spectacular, so something in the equation is right. Perhaps it’s something in the ground water, right? No no, all joking aside, very interesting article, and an inventive take on the mental health recovery model.

Check it out if you can and comment here on what you think!

As always, for access to further free research on mental health recovery, check out MHCD's Research and Evaluations homepage.

Until next time my friends,
Lex
Research and Evaluations