Connecting People Implementation Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Connecting People Implementation Study
IRAS ID
225304
Contact name
Martin Webber
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
People with mental health problems require a range of support to help them in their recovery. Alongside medical and psychological support, people may need support with engaging in meaningful activities and developing relationships. The focus of this study is on advancing our understanding of how services can improve the support they offer to people around social relationships.
In a previous study, a Connecting People programme was developed which encourages people to make plans for developing their network of contacts in the community. When delivered fully, it helped people feel more included in society and able to access advice, information and practical support from people they know.
This research project aims to look at how it can be effectively established within community mental health teams by social workers trained as part of the ‘Think Ahead’ initiative. We want to know how to implement the Connecting People programme well, assessing whether tools such as manuals, guidance and specific training help or hinder this process. We want to know when implemented, compared to standard care, whether the programme benefits mental health service users and is cost-effective.
The study will last 15 months and is organised into two phrases:
1. Implementation of the programme in community mental health teams in six areas in England. Outcome data will be collected from each participating team and results will be compared between teams who implemented the programme and those that only offered standard care.
2. Exploration of how successful implementation was across the six areas, using a check-list and in-depth individual and group interviews to understand the features that supported or hindered the process.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0688
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion