Promoting Innovation in Mental Health Care: A Community Gardening Initiative

by | Aug 5, 2024 | Nursing

Promoting Innovation in Mental Health Care Read more at: https://ukwritings.com/account/completed
The assignment is a 20 minute online presentation and a 1000 word commentaryPlease note this assessment is about promoting innovation, it is about an idea for change in the community or in inpatient service, the proposed idea for change is about improving the quality of life for people with mental health needs and or their carer’s.Please read the following instructions and remember all 5 learning outcomes need to be addressed.It is about thinking of an idea for change to improve quality of care for people with mental health needs, e.g. a carers group in a local hall, or dementia friends sessions in your town, and so forth. Then you need to explore who you will need to potentially ethically collaborate with, to make the proposed change happen, and then how you propose to implement the change.For example: if you propose to have a gardening group in the community.A. You would need to ethically collaborate (communicate) with the local council for the allotment land, for free (getting it for free would be the resistance to the change)B. You would need to ethically communicate and collaborate with the local mental health services and GP practices, for their input, support, and for them to advertise the group.C. You will use action learning as you move further with your proposal, you will need to ethically collaborate with the local garden centres or horticultural society, again for support and advice.Rationale for assessment design:Presentation skills are very important in many aspects of life especially working life, and often a presentation is required for a interview for a new job, and during normal working environment.This work should address all 5 learning outcomes:Learning OutcomesOn successful completion of this module the student will be expected to be able to:Knowledge and understanding
1. Synthesize and critically evaluate theories of collaborative working in the management of contemporary mental health issues.
2. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of ethical and moral issues impacting on collaborative working.
3. Critically analyse and evaluate models of management of change.Intellectual, practical, effective and transferable skills
4. Creatively demonstrate team and organisational working by implementing a work-based project leading to change either within an organisational context or for personal development5. Utilising action learning, reflect on collaborative working and consider innovative approaches to collaboration and how they could be implemented into mental health care settingsThese learning outcomes can be understood in the following ways:
1. Explore theories of collaborative working and evaluate this critically in relation to contemporary issues in mental health care.
2. Review and discuss in explicit yet succinct detail the ethical and moral issues of change management, in relation to collaborative working.
3. Evaluate and explore change management and models therein in regards to improving collaborative mental health care
4. Explore options for a work based project which either proposes to deliver changes within an organisation or changes for personal development
5. Explore action learning when using innovative approaches to working in a collaborative manner and consider how they could be implemented.

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

 

 

Promoting Innovation in Mental Health Care: A Community Gardening Initiative

Introduction

Mental health care is an increasingly important area of focus in contemporary society, particularly as we recognize the critical role that community support plays in improving the quality of life for individuals with mental health needs and their caregivers. This presentation proposes a community gardening initiative aimed at fostering social connections, enhancing well-being, and providing a therapeutic outlet for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The following sections will outline the rationale for this initiative, potential collaborators, ethical considerations, and an implementation plan.

Proposal: Community Gardening Initiative

Rationale for the Initiative

Gardening has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing anxiety, improving mood, and providing a sense of purpose. A community gardening initiative can serve several vital functions:

1. Social Engagement: It fosters relationships among participants, creating a supportive network that helps combat loneliness and isolation.
2. Therapeutic Benefits: Engaging in gardening activities can serve as a form of therapy, promoting mindfulness and physical activity.
3. Skill Development: Participants can learn horticultural skills, which can boost self-esteem and provide a constructive hobby.

Collaborative Partnerships

To successfully implement the community gardening initiative, it is essential to identify and ethically collaborate with various stakeholders:

1. Local Council

– Objective: Secure permission for the use of public land for gardening purposes.
– Collaboration Approach: Present a clear proposal outlining the benefits of the initiative for community mental health, emphasizing potential cost savings in mental health services due to improved community well-being.

2. Mental Health Services and GP Practices

– Objective: Gain support and referrals from local mental health services and general practitioners.
– Collaboration Approach: Organize informational sessions to explain the initiative’s objectives, seeking their input on how to tailor the program to better meet community needs.

3. Garden Centers and Horticultural Societies

– Objective: Obtain resources such as plants, seeds, tools, and expert advice.
– Collaboration Approach: Propose partnerships where garden centers provide materials in exchange for advertising opportunities or involvement in community events.

Ethical Considerations

1. Informed Consent

Participants should be fully informed about the nature of the gardening initiative, including any potential risks involved (e.g., physical activity). Obtaining informed consent will be vital in maintaining transparency and ethical integrity.

2. Inclusivity

The initiative must be accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized communities. This requires careful consideration of language barriers, cultural sensitivities, and transportation needs.

3. Confidentiality

While social interactions are encouraged, it is crucial to establish ground rules that respect the confidentiality and privacy of participants. This will help foster a safe environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

Change Management Models

To effectively manage the change associated with establishing this initiative, various models can be applied:

1. Kotter’s Eight-Step Change Model

– Create Urgency: Highlight the mental health crisis in the community to garner support.
– Form a Coalition: Engage stakeholders to form a collaborative team.
– Create a Vision: Develop a clear vision for the gardening initiative.
– Communicate the Vision: Use multiple channels to communicate the initiative’s goals and benefits.
– Empower Action: Encourage stakeholder involvement by delegating responsibilities.
– Create Quick Wins: Organize small gardening events initially to generate excitement.
– Build on the Change: Gather feedback to improve future sessions and expand the initiative.
– Anchor New Approaches: Integrate gardening into the community culture as a sustainable practice.

2. Lewin’s Change Management Model

– Unfreeze: Challenge existing norms regarding mental health care and promote new ideas.
– Change: Implement the community gardening initiative with active participation.
– Refreeze: Solidify the changes by integrating gardening into regular mental health support services.

Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Planning

– Conduct surveys to gauge interest in the gardening initiative within the community.
– Identify suitable locations for gardening plots with local council collaboration.

Phase 2: Partnership Development

– Schedule meetings with stakeholders (local council, mental health services, garden centers) to discuss collaboration and resource allocation.

Phase 3: Execution

– Launch a pilot program with small groups to test logistics and gather feedback.
– Organize training sessions led by horticultural experts.

Phase 4: Evaluation and Expansion

– Collect data on participant outcomes (mental well-being surveys) to assess effectiveness.
– Use feedback to make improvements and plan for wider implementation.

Conclusion

Promoting innovation in mental health care through a community gardening initiative presents an opportunity to enhance the quality of life for individuals with mental health needs and their caregivers. By ethically collaborating with local stakeholders and employing effective change management models, we can create a sustainable program that fosters social connections, improves mental well-being, and cultivates a supportive community environment. This initiative not only addresses immediate mental health needs but also promotes long-term resilience and recovery within our communities.

References

1. Astell-Burt, T., & Feng, X. (2019). Gardening is associated with better mental health and wellbeing. Health & Place, 57, 132-139.
2. Kotter, J.P. (1996). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
3. Lewin, K. (1947). Frontiers in group dynamics: Concept, method and reality in social science; social equilibria and social change. Human Relations, 1(5), 5-41.
4. World Health Organization (2020). Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020.

This outline provides a structured approach for both your online presentation and written commentary on promoting innovation in mental health care through a community gardening initiative. The proposed change aligns with all five learning outcomes while addressing contemporary mental health issues through collaborative efforts.

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