From research to practice: The first tentative steps

Abstract

This article traces the history of the Somerset Spirituality Project as it moved from the research findings of Foskett et al. (2003) and Macmin and Foskett (2003) to the application of their findings in practice. It summarizes the results of the research, the attempts to publicize these and to promote better practice within the mental health services and local religious groups. It records the developments already undertaken or planned, the resistance to these encountered along the way and the sacrifices made by those most intimately involved. This is set within a Christian Liberation Theology's analysis of social and political systems, its bias to the poor and their understanding of the human drive to health of mind and soul.

Engaging Mental Health Services in Spirituality Conversations: A Spirituality Poster and Café Spirituality

“…Similarly, in the Somerset project in Scotland, mental health professionals collaborated with a group called churches together to produce a leaflet on spirituality for consumers that outlined spiritual resources in the area. professional guidelines for interprofessional referral and collaboration were also created (Fauskett et al, 2004). to date there is no literature on the effectiveness of these strategies.…”

Letter to the editor

“…7, No. 4;Foskett, Marriott, & Wilson-Rudd, 2004a;Foskett et al, 2004b;Macmin & Foskett, 2004). I suppose one is always disappointed not to have others notice one's research, but it was doubly disappointing that they missed such treasures so close to home!…”

“…Although clergy may favour the pastoral role, they do have a prophetic role too. Chaplains have been accused of not whistle blowing about scandals, including the political, in the NHS (Foskett et al, 2004b). As a chaplain I recognised this discrepancy in my work and set out to politicise myself more in joining SU, some of whom I counselled, in their attempts to deal with stigma, racism, inequality, sexism, ageism, etc.…”

“…In practice our findings led to a number of initiatives amongst all three groups (Foskett et al, 2004b). First in order to improve the understanding and knowledge of all three groups, it was beneficial to learn together, and since then there have been bi-annual conferences involving all the groups.…”