Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand service users’ experience of a new acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based substance misuse programme. The programme is designed for people in secure mental health services, presenting with complex mental health difficulties and co-occurring substance misuse problems. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach informed an exploratory pilot of this novel intervention. Service users completing a 16-week ACT programme were invited to participate in the current study. Out of the nine individuals enroled on the programme, six opted to take part in the exploratory pilot and completed semi-structured interviews following part 1 of the programme (eight weeks). Four of these participants proceeded into part 2 of the programme (eight weeks) and completed a further semi-structured interview. Findings The thematic analysis identified five main themes: “Increased awareness of personal values and the impact of substance use on values”, “Taking committed action towards values”, “Coping skills and the application of skills to manage difficult thoughts and feelings”, “Personal development” and “Use of metaphors/analogies”. Research limitations/implications A quantitative evaluation of clinical outcomes is recommended to gauge further programme effectiveness. Practical implications The findings provide preliminary support for the use of an ACT-based substance misuse programme in a secure mental health setting. Originality/value This study evaluates the use of a novel ACT-based substance misuse intervention with people in secure mental health care with co-occurring mental health and substance misuse difficulties. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of service users’ experience of participating in this new treatment programme.
Purpose This study aims to gauge the usefulness of a Recovery College relaxation course for both staff and service users within a secure mental health setting. Design/methodology/approach The course compromised of seven stand alone sessions, each teaching a different relaxation skill. Pre- and Post questionnaires were administered comprising of two closed and one open ended questions. Findings Participants (n = 49) reported an average decrease of 32% in pre- and post-session tension. Ninety-two percent of evaluative responses endorsed sessions as “worthwhile” and 92% endorsed the relaxation skills as “useful in the future”. Participants described the workshops as “enjoyable” and “relaxing”. Practical implications In the spirit of Recovery Colleges, the course offers the opportunity for individuals with lived experience to participate in the production and delivery of interventions. Improving both staff and service user well-being is cost-effective and may help to normalise and de-stigmatise difficulties with stress and anxiety. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this appears to be the first evaluation of a co-produced and co-delivered relaxation course for both staff and service users within inpatient mental health settings. This paper presents a preliminary evaluation of a novel intervention to improve staff and service user well-being.
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