Study Examines Adaptation of Mental Health Support During Pandemic
A recent study funded by ARC YH investigated how community organisations partnering with an NHS mental health Trust adapted their services during COVID-19 restrictions.
Social prescribing, which connects mental health patients to community resources, faced significant challenges due to social distancing measures. The research found that Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations quickly modified their programs to comply with government guidelines.
The study revealed that these organisations developed new skills and knowledge while adapting their services. Researchers recommend that VCSEs use these experiences to create tailored approaches for future hybrid delivery of community activities, including arts, sports, and cultural programs.
The findings emphasize the need to ensure digital activities provide a similar level of connection as face-to-face interactions and highlighted the importance of improving methods to gather feedback on patient experiences with these hybrid services.
This research aims to inform future practices in social prescribing as communities move beyond pandemic restrictions.
