Improving Services for Learners with Mental Health Difficulties

Discovering Potential: a training pack on self-esteem
Kathryn James and Christine Nightingale
2004

This resource pack supports practitioners and managers who work with adults with low self-esteem. It looks at:

The pack provides an essential resource for those working on a one-to-one basis with hard-to-reach, marginalized and excluded adults. Crossing different sectors such as health services, voluntary sector, education sectors and social services, it offers valuable advice and strategies for the pivotal role of interagency working.

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This book arises out of a project established by NIACE and FEDA to carry out a national survey of continuing education for adults with mental health difficulties. Part of its remit was to consider the implications of the NHS and Community Care Act, and the Further and Higher Education Act.

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What is it?
This one-minute multimedia piece has been created in partnership with Ordinary People - a group of adult learners with a history of mental health difficulties based in Lancaster. To find out more about who they are and what they do, please read their introductory letter in the inside of the CD Rom. This piece is created by women, but we hope that when you use it you will consider the diversity issues involved in mental health provision and in the take up of adult learning and skills.

Who is it aimed at?
The piece will be of interest to those working in the adult learning and skills sector, voluntary and community sector and mental health services.

If you would like a free copy of the CD Rom please contact Sue Rees on susan.rees@niace.org.uk  or 0116 2044256.

The impact of learning on health
Fiona Aldridge and Peter Lavender
2000

This NIACE Survey, focussing on previous years' Adult Learners' Week nominees, examines what impact, if any, there has been on personal health as a result of learning. The majority of respondents reveal positive benefits to mental. emotional and physical health such as increased confidence and self-esteem, being better able to cope with illness, feeling less ill and changing health behaviours. Some also report 'dis-benefits' such as stress, anxiety and relationship difficulties. The responses are both a powerful argument for closer study and a strong justification for the belief that learning can make a difference to individuals, their health and the well-being of their families and friends.

Further research is required to identify the extent of health improvement through learning and to find out how those who do not participate can be encouraged to do so.

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Learning Journeys: a handbook for tutors and managers in adult education working with people with mental health difficulties
Joy Mather and Sue Atkinson
2003

This handbook provides a learner-centred approach for those who work with students with mental health difficulties. Tracking the journey from mental health services into learning opportunities, it explores:

Interspersed with learners voices and case studies, this publication offers the opportunity to reflect not only on how organisations support learning from a learners perspective, but also on how this support can promote good mental health in the learners and their tutors and managers.

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One in Four

One in four of the population can expect to experience mental health difficulties at some point in their lives. Adult education and training can be an important part of the recovery journey in which people struggle to regain their lives. This publication is a testament to that journey.

One in Four is a wonderful publication that has been part funded by the European Social Fund to showcase the powerful writing and stunning artwork that is being created by people with mental health difficulties.

One in Four is a must for all educational and training projects keen to recruit mental health users. It will provide inspiration about the ways in which creativity can aid recovery and information about the many issues that concern people experiencing mental health difficulties. Use it as a resource and use it to start promoting your courses.

Here are some ways in which One in Four can be used to promote learning during Adult Learners Week (every May) and Sign Up Now (every September):

One in Four is an inspiring publication that can be used throughout the year to ensure that adult education promotes positive responses to problems associated with mental health. Positive attitudes make it easier for adults with mental health difficulties to take part in and achieve in learning.

Use One in Four on World Mental Health Day (October 10th) to:

The European Social Fund (ESF) is a European initiative to promote educational and employment opportunities for all. The ESF helps people improve their skills and develop their potential for work. For more information about ESF go to www.esf.gov.uk  For more information about Adult Learners Week and Sign Up Now go to www.alw.org.uk

Free copies of One in Four are available from Sue Parkins on sue.parkins@niace.org.uk  or 0116 2044247.

Prescribing Learning
Kathryn James
2001

For an area at the margins of both adult education and health provision, this practical guide examines a relationship that can reach out to some of the most marginalised and excluded members of society.

Establishing the benefits of learning to health, it looks at:

Includes examples of good practice and case studies underpinned by the voice of the learner.

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Winning Hearts and Minds
Kathryn James
2004

Ordering Information
All the above publications can be ordered online, by visiting the Online Book Shop  OR by telephone on 0116 2044 216.