Abstract

This presentation focuses on an organisational case study that used photo-elicitation to explore

staff and service user experiences of a Service that is novel in embedding community sectors

within inpatient provision. The study addressed the question: What are the experiences of staff

and service users who work in and use a novel in-reach rehabilitation and recovery service for

people with profound and enduring mental health needs? Fifteen purposefully sampled service

users and fifteen purposefully sampled staff were recruited from across the Service. Photo

elicitation was used to enrich data collection through one-to-one semi-structured interviews.

Photo elicitation is a method in which participants are invited to take photographs to express their

experiences around the topic of investigation. The photographs are then used in research

interviews to facilitate detailed discussions. Interviews were analysed using the thematic,

qualitative method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

The research found that service users value developing supportive, trusting relationships in

recovery and fear the challenging effects of isolation and relapse. Service users seek greater

awareness in how they can manage as an individual and look to staff to support the development

of personal coping strategies. Service users’ desire to live an independent life is often hindered by

social factors, such as stigma, which makes it difficult for them to gain a sense of belonging

within society. A major challenge faced by staff in the Service is how best to integrate the diverse

attitudes, values, and practices associated with the different approaches and individual roles of

staff within the NHS and third sector. The Service is perceived to be situated within a powerful

system built on traditional paradigms and existing structures appear intact and difficult to change.

Recovery is understood by staff to be complex and difficult to define which adds to the

challenges they face in their work. However, staff are genuinely interested in finding new ways to

approach recovery as well as improve communication and professional relationships.

About Penn:

Dr. Penn Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Counselling and leads the BA in Counselling and

Mental Health and Post-graduate Diploma in Humanistic Counselling at York St John

University. She is a Chartered Psychologist, a registered Counsellor with the British

Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education

Academy. Penn’s research and therapeutic interest is in relational trauma, social justice, and

developing the use of creativity in teaching and research. She has worked across a range of

organisations including NHS, third sector and emergency services, working with children,

young people, and adults.