Abstract
Aim/purpose
Sight loss is a global problem affecting around 2.2 billion people (WHO, 2021). The literature shows a strong correlation between sight loss and reduced mental wellbeing (Akram & Batool., 2020 PAKISTAN; Binder et al., 2018 POLAND; Frank et al., 2019 USA; Holloway et al., 2018 AUSTRALIA; Parravano et al., 2021 ITALY). Depression has been undiagnosed and untreated in significant numbers of visually impaired people in UK (Nollett et al., 2016). The aim of this research impact project was to co-construct a digital training package to give front line workers, in sight loss organisations, skills to open conversations about mental health with their clients, using the PHQ4 and basic embedded counselling skills. The training aims to ‘up-skill’ around 2000 frontline staff and to provide around 250,000 service users per year, the opportunity to discuss and address their mental health needs.
Design/methodology
Six discussion groups, with visually impaired stakeholders and frontline workers in the sight loss sector, were held to explore the sector needs and to allow their views of using PHQ4 in this context to be understood. Feedback was transcribed and disseminated to the project team to inform the training package requirements.
Ethical approval
The project was run by academics from Cardiff University, in conjunction with VI Charity Partnerships and external partners. Ethical approval was not required by the university, as it was deemed to be a research impact project.
Results/findings
The frontline workers voiced concerns about administering the PHQ4 in their workplace and about their responsibility for onward referrals. There was some reticence about initiating conversations about mental health that could lead to a client disclosing mental health issues or suicidal feelings.
Research limitations
There is potential for the training package to be a poorly conceived, inaccurate reflection of the sector needs. It could be rejected by frontline workers or to be seen as threatening or irrelevant by service users.
Conclusions/implications
This project addresses the real-world problem of depression and anxiety within the visually impaired population. By providing training about how to use the PHQ4 and embedded counselling skills to open conversations about mental health, an army of frontline workers can begin to normalise and address the mental health needs of this population. This model may be transferrable to other countries and to other contexts.
Considerations given to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion.
This is a socially just and inclusive project, which aims to improve access to mental health support for all visually impaired people.
Sight loss is a global problem affecting around 2.2 billion people (WHO, 2021). The literature shows a strong correlation between sight loss and reduced mental wellbeing (Akram & Batool., 2020 PAKISTAN; Binder et al., 2018 POLAND; Frank et al., 2019 USA; Holloway et al., 2018 AUSTRALIA; Parravano et al., 2021 ITALY). Depression has been undiagnosed and untreated in significant numbers of visually impaired people in UK (Nollett et al., 2016). The aim of this research impact project was to co-construct a digital training package to give front line workers, in sight loss organisations, skills to open conversations about mental health with their clients, using the PHQ4 and basic embedded counselling skills. The training aims to ‘up-skill’ around 2000 frontline staff and to provide around 250,000 service users per year, the opportunity to discuss and address their mental health needs.
Design/methodology
Six discussion groups, with visually impaired stakeholders and frontline workers in the sight loss sector, were held to explore the sector needs and to allow their views of using PHQ4 in this context to be understood. Feedback was transcribed and disseminated to the project team to inform the training package requirements.
Ethical approval
The project was run by academics from Cardiff University, in conjunction with VI Charity Partnerships and external partners. Ethical approval was not required by the university, as it was deemed to be a research impact project.
Results/findings
The frontline workers voiced concerns about administering the PHQ4 in their workplace and about their responsibility for onward referrals. There was some reticence about initiating conversations about mental health that could lead to a client disclosing mental health issues or suicidal feelings.
Research limitations
There is potential for the training package to be a poorly conceived, inaccurate reflection of the sector needs. It could be rejected by frontline workers or to be seen as threatening or irrelevant by service users.
Conclusions/implications
This project addresses the real-world problem of depression and anxiety within the visually impaired population. By providing training about how to use the PHQ4 and embedded counselling skills to open conversations about mental health, an army of frontline workers can begin to normalise and address the mental health needs of this population. This model may be transferrable to other countries and to other contexts.
Considerations given to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion.
This is a socially just and inclusive project, which aims to improve access to mental health support for all visually impaired people.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 20 May 2023 |
| Event | 29th Annual BACP Research Conference: Global issues in counselling and psychotherapy research, policy and practice - Leeds Beckett University & online, Leeds, United Kingdom Duration: 19 May 2023 → 20 May 2023 Conference number: 29th https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/bacp-events/programmes/research-2023/ |
Conference
| Conference | 29th Annual BACP Research Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | BACP |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Leeds |
| Period | 19/05/23 → 20/05/23 |
| Internet address |