Snap shot study into Mind in Bexley Recovery Service

Summary

Our study demonstrates that respondents who regularly engage with the Mind in Bexley Recovery Service reported a positive effect on wellbeing and quality of life. The “life support” that respondents access clearly has a positive impact on resilience, confidence and optimism. This subsequently helps individuals to stay in control and to cope with everyday life situations. The study further highlights the vulnerability of people with mental health conditions, and how a person’s individual recovery has an impact on their experiences and ability to access services. Crucially, the study demonstrates that engaging with the Recovery Service may, to a large extent, prevent the need for secondary care, which carries financial benefits to public expenditure.   

Key Findings

• The majority of participants found their engagement with the Recovery Service positive and beneficial.
• The majority of respondents reported positive effects on wellbeing and quality of life following induction and engagement with Recovery Services.
• The majority of participants felt that engagement with the Recovery Service reduced the need of secondary care (avoiding re-referral to Oxleas).
• Of the respondents who had previously been under Oxleas care but discharged, three quarters had not needed to be re-referred to Oxleas following their engagement with the Recovery Service.
• Benefits advice, employment hub and groups/workshops were identified as the most beneficial services.
• Barriers to accessing services relates to housing concerns, health issues and services not being suitable and participants not being in the right frame of mind at the time.
• Nearly half of respondents reported accessing other services including: Samaritans, Signpost, housing services, social services, the Job centre and a confidential care telephone line.  
• This study demonstrates that respondents who regularly engage with the Recovery Service reported a positive effect on wellbeing and quality of life. The “life support” that respondents access clearly has a positive impact on resilience, confidence and optimism. This subsequently help individuals to stay in control and to cope with everyday life situations. The study further highlights the vulnerability of people with mental health conditions, and how a person’s individual recovery has an impact on their experiences and ability to access services. Crucially, the study demonstrates that engaging with the Recovery Service may to a large extent prevents the need for secondary care, which carries financial benefits to public expenditure.