Social Inclusion Research Unit

Homelessness in Wrexham: Contemporary patterns and profiles of homeless people with complex needs

Caroline Hughes et al. — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:32:45 PST

This study, which was funded jointly by Wrexham Temperance Hall Trust, Wrexham Council Supporting People team and Wrexham and Flintshire Community Safety Office, explores patterns and profiles of homeless people with complex needs in Wrexham, North Wales.

The study draws primarily on the perceptions of a sample of providers of a wide range of services catering to the homeless in Wrexham, and on the perceptions of a sample of homeless people (including those who occupy supported accommodation). The aim of the study was to elicit key issues surrounding homelessness in Wrexham from the perspectives of these two groups. The presentation of key issues, in user accounts, is enhanced by the inclusion of five vignettes which tell abbreviated stories of a selection of some of the study’s participants.

In addition to service provider and user perceptions, the report presents statistical data from a range of services catering to the needs of homeless people in Wrexham. While these data do not provide a complete picture, nor are they comparable in that different agencies do not collect the same type of data in the same way, they do highlight some important issues for services and their users.

Finally, a literature review on homelessness, which focusses primarily upon the UK and on Wales in particular, provides context to some of the report findings.

Mending fences: reparation and the reorientation of young people in the secure estate

Sarah Dubberley et al. — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 07:35:28 PDT

The paper is informed by the findings of mixed method study of the Duke of Edinburgh intervention at selected secure estate establishments in England and Wales, drawing on the findings of an Attitude to Offending instrument (CRIMEPICS11) and accounts of young people and secure estate staff. Young people’s CRME-PICS responses are examined through qualitative data from focus groups with young people and interviews with staff delivering the intervention. The findings highlight the importance study participants placed on development of interpersonal relationships between young people, and between them and others within and outwith the secure estate. The authors suggest that, notwithstanding constraints on delivering interventions in the secure estate, reparation activities can be achieved with incarcerated young people, which may assist young offenders’ short-term strategies in managing day to day incarceration and longterm strategies of re-integration, acceptance by the community, and improved life opportunities in the future. The authors argue that while reparation activities, which do not involve face to face contact with victims, are often presented as a poor relative of restorative justice ‘proper’, they are not only more realisable in custody, but offer potential to facilitate development of fundamental social interpersonal skills which underpin young people’s rehabilitation.

How Can Visual Arts Help Doctors Develop Medical Insight?

Kathy Edmonds et al. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:54:05 PDT

This research project examines how using the visual arts can develop medical insight, as part of a pilot programme for two groups of medical students. It was a UK study; a collaboration between Liverpool and Glyndwr University’s and Tate Liverpool’s learning team. Tate Liverpool is the home of the National Collection of Modern Arts in the North of England and one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London. The project adapted Tate Liverpool’s Opening Doors course in devising and piloting a single day programme that engaged students in exploring perception, communication, emotion and narrative. Opening Doors introduces participants to modern and contemporary art and empowers them to work in new ways with groups and individuals. The exercises used as part of the programme allowed us to observe what connections and interpretations were made, and to discuss with the participants what influenced student choice and decision making in relation to specific works of art.

This article will focus on the use of gallery education to highlight examples of contemporary culture to develop links between art and medicine, alongside the development of transferable skills. The study is of professional interest because it is using a cross-disciplinary approach, broadening the disciplines involved in teaching medical skills; and could form a model for further cross-curricular and cross discipline work.

Welsh Prisoners in English Jails

Iolo Madoc-Jones — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 07:22:57 PDT

This paper presents the results of research into the experiences of prisoners from Wales incarcerated in England. The context for the research is first set and the relevance of language and identity in Wales are explored. The results of a research project conducted in 2005 with 181 prisoners from North Wales held in an English Jail is then presented. Their responses to a postal questionnaire exploring their perceptions about their treatment and their experiences are detailed. The paper highlights that a subset of Welsh prisoners- and primarily those who are Welsh speaking, problematise their incarceration in England. The reasons given for this are explored. The paper concludes with some observations about the implications of the research for penal practice with Welsh prisoners in England and Wales.

Stigma, abortion and disclosure - findings from a qualitative study

Edna M. Astbury-Ward et al. — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 03:36:07 PDT

Introduction

This study qualitatively explores perceptions of women who have experienced abortion care. It explores women’s journey through abortion from confirmation of pregnancy to post abortion.

Aim

The study seeks to understand the implications of these perceptions for policy and practice.

Main Outcome Measures

A qualitative study involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with seventeen women, aged between 22 and 57 years, who had undergone legal induced abortion in the UK when they were 16 years or older. Participants were not recruited under the age of 16, because of the ethical and legal complexities of interviewing minors, additionally 16 years was deemed to be the most appropriate age as this is the legal age of consent in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Participants were recruited from12 community contraception and sexual health clinics in two NHS trusts, one in England and one in Wales. Participant recruitment was set at a minimum of 12 and participants were recruited on a ‘first come first served basis’ (i.e. the first 12 who contacted the researcher) the number of participants was raised to seventeen as this was the number deemed to be the most suitable for data saturation in this particular qualitative research.

Results

Women in this study understood abortion as highly taboo and a potentially personally stigmatising event. These perceptions continued to affect disclosure to others, long after the abortion, and affected women’s perceptions of the response of others, including society in general, significant others and health professionals.

Conclusions

Women’s experiences of abortion may be influenced by perceived negative social attitudes. Health professionals and abortion service providers might combat the perceived isolation of women undergoing abortion by attending not only to clinical/technical aspects of the procedure but also to women’s psychological/emotional sensitivities surrounding the event.

A questionnaire survey of the provision of training in human sexuality in schools of nursing in the United Kingdom

Edna M. Astbury-Ward — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 03:20:45 PDT

The inconsistent and haphazard approach to the provision of training in human sexuality to health professionals in the UK and elsewhere has been a matter of concern for over half a century. This article discusses the implications of findings from a questionnaire survey of 41 schools of nursing in the UK regarding their provision of training in human sexuality. Schools of nursing were chosen, as nurses form by far the largest employment group in the NHS today. The aim of this questionnaire survey was to obtain information on the provision of training in human sexuality in schools of nursing in the UK. The 20-item mixed qualitative and quantitative questionnaire was designed to elicit maximum information about research questions, it was independently validated after focus group discussion. The results drawn from this study will be primarily presented as observations, rather than statistically tested statements. The provision of training in human sexuality in the pre-registration nursing curricula in the UK is inadequate to meet the current varied needs of patients. On average, a mere 6.8 hours out of a potential 2300 hours of theoretical learning is dedicated to teaching human sexuality in schools of health in the UK. This is considerably less time than is dedicated to other areas of learning within the curriculum. The overall provision of training in human sexuality in the nursing curricula does not seem to have significantly improved, regardless of pleas from such esteemed bodies as the World Health Organisation and others.

Focusing on the Needs of the Child An evaluation of the Family Dispute Resolution Programme pilot in Private law proceedings provided by CAFCASS CYMRU

Julian Buchanan et al. — Thu, 24 May 2012 01:55:18 PDT

This is the final report of a qualitative evaluation of the CAFCASS Cymru’s Family Dispute Resolution Pilot Programme (FDRP) in North Wales. The FDRP was developed as a child centred intervention aimed at resolving disputes involving children, without recourse to the courts. When parents separate children have a right to contact with both parents. Seeking effective methods to enable parental communication and cooperation is important for the positive welfare of the child/children concerned. The process of enduring parental conflict not only marginalises the rights of the right but places children at risk of harm. There is a widespread understanding that such disputes are not always helped by engagement in the adversarial court process. The earlier and quicker that parents cooperatively engage in out-of-court dispute resolution processes the better. There are currently a diverse range of conciliation, mediation and dispute resolution schemes operating throughout Wales and England. These schemes vary in terms of philosophy, methods, focus, time, court involvement and process. The effectiveness of these schemes is generally not known as relatively few programmes have been independently evaluated. This evaluation of the CAFCASS Cymru’s Family Dispute Resolution Pilot Programme (FDRP) in North Wales comprised postal questionnaires for parents and qualitative interviews with a sample of parents, children and professionals engaging with the programme.

Voices of Children and Young People in Wales Study: A qualitative study of Wellbeing among children and young people under 25 years old

Odette Parry et al. — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:56:00 PDT

There is no abstract for this work

Abortion Care: The Staff Perspective

Edna M. Astbury-Ward — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:52:58 PDT

Working in abortion care presented a unique set of social, emotional and practical challenges for staff. Because of working in abortion care some staff expressed a sense of isolation from other colleagues. They said that those who didn’t work in abortion care considered it an unpopular job and perceived patients requesting abortion as more ‘challenging ‘and ‘problematic’ than other patients, partly because of the additional time required but also because of the emotional investment which is associated with the role. Staff’s sense of isolation was manifested because they felt they couldn’t talk to others about their job. Irrespective of their perceived sense of isolation the desire to provide a service for women in need was a motivational factor for those staff who had chosen to work in this area.

Although staff, said personal opinions did not have a place in the delivery of care some were unable to disassociate themselves professionally from their own deeply held personal convictions. In addition, some said that they felt unable to voice opposition to an expectation that they would work in this area if it was included as part of a wider women’s health remit. They indicated that sometimes their feelings were compromised by this aspect of the role indicating they felt unable to exercise their right to conscientious objection.

The subject of repeat abortion provoked particularly negative staff emotions for personal and professional reasons, especially if patients repeatedly accessed abortion services because of non use of contraception. Often staff admitted they wanted to ‘lecture’ patients about the issue and some implied that eventually patients may be less likely to receive good care in these instances. However staff reported that women who requested abortion for foetal abnormality were likely to receive more sympathy, understanding and care.

The practical challenges mainly concerned whether facilities were appropriate, available and accessible for patient care. Staff recommended that facilities ideally shouldn’t be sited near ante-natal or post-natal areas and there should be provision locally for late gestation abortion and swift access.

Independent domestic violence advocates: perceptions of service users

Iolo Madoc-Jones et al. — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:41:56 PST

This paper draws on the findings of a qualitative evaluation that examines user perceptions of the services provided by an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to victims of domestic violence in one rural local authority area in the UK. Service users described being reluctant to report experiences of domestic violence but, having done

so, finding the involvement of the IDVA invaluable in being able to provide them with the independent advice, information and emotional support that they would not otherwise have received. Although in general they were positive about IDVAs, users could also identify problems due to the telephone-based nature of the advocacy that was offered and the duplication of services that sometimes occurred. This paper argues that an IDVA provides an important service to victims of domestic violence, which is likely to be particularly valuable in rural locations. However, the terms of reference for the role need be reviewed in order to maximise the contribution that IDVAs can make.

Addressing drug and alcohol use in the workplace

Brian Heath et al. — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:52:15 PST

This chapter written by Madoc-Jones, I., and Heath, B. in 2009, titled Addressing drug and alcohol use in the workplace. Was published in Neil Thompson (ed) Promoting Workplace Wellbeing (pp.27-42) by Palgrave: Basingstoke.

The chapter explores the issues surrounding the use of drugs and alcohol by employees and the impact on the workplace and the wellbeing of staff.

An Evaluation of the All-Wales Dietetic Capacity Grant Scheme: Final Report

R Carnwell et al. — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:41:21 PST

No Abstract available

The Evaluation of the Welsh Assembly Government Food and Fitness Grant Scheme: Final Report

R Carnwell et al. — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 03:58:09 PDT

There is no abstract for this item.

From Kama Sutra to dot.com- The History, Myths and Management of Premature Ejaculation

Edna M. Astbury-Ward — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:06:31 PDT

As long as man has breathed, his quest for the perfect sexual experience seems to have eluded him. Often the experience has been brought to an abrupt end by the misery of premature ejaculation. This paper will look at the history of premature ejaculation, charting the importance of this event throughout the years and across cultures. It will look at all modern day therapies and will discuss the implications of introducing pharmocotherapy to a problem that has been traditionally treated by sex therapy.

Menopause, sexuality and culture: Is there a universal experience?

Edna M. Astbury-Ward — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 06:26:02 PDT

Menopause is a universal phenomenon, but do all women experience a universal event? The aim of this article is to identify common trends or patterns occurring exclusively within certain different cultures, and whether these have an effect on how menopause is experienced or perceived by those women. This paper will first consider the physiological changes that occur during menopause and will then look at psychosocial influences that may affect women’s perception and experience of menopause.

Voices of Older People in Wales: a qualitative study of health and wellbeing among over 50's

Odette Parry et al. — Tue, 10 May 2011 07:57:26 PDT

This report does not have an abstract

Women’s Safety Service within the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme: Perceptions of Service Users

Iolo Madoc-Jones et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:35:13 PST

This paper draws on the findings of a qualitative evaluation that examines women's perceptions of the services provided to them whilst their abusers attended an Integrated Domestic Violence Programme (IDAP) in one probation area in the UK. Research focusing on domestic violence programmes has mostly concentrated on the experiences of male perpetrators. As a result, less is known about how women feel about such programmes and the parallel safety services they are supposed to receive. This research seeks to address that weakness by exploring the perceptions of 13 women whose abusers are attending one perpetrator programme. The findings of our study suggest that women are generally negative about perpetrator programmes and require more comprehensive and coordinated services than are routinely made available to them. The paper suggests that women value and need direct and assertive support as well as safety services, and this need is especially pronounced in rural contexts where women can be isolated from mainstream services. The implications of the research to practice with victims of domestic violence are discussed to inform further development of IDAP and similar programmes in the UK and beyond.

The War on Drugs – A War on Drug Users

Julian Buchanan et al. — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:54:16 PDT

The authors argue that since the 1980s UK drug policy has largely been ill considered, reactive and counter- productive. Rather than reducing drug taking and drug related crime, such policies have exacerbated the problem and contributed towards an environment in which drug use and illegal drug activities are likely to flourish. One of the consequences of this 'war on drugs' is that it manifests itself as a 'war on drug users' with an emphasis not upon the development of appropriate rehabilitative models, but upon prevention, prohibition and punishment. Drawing on the authors' qualitative research on Merseyside, England involving 200 problem drug users, it will be argued that the war on drug users has subjected these people to a process of stigmatization, marginalization and social exclusion, and prevented many of them from recovery by hindering their re-integation into the wider social and economic community. Instead, growing numbers of problematic drug users remain locked into a cycle of chronic drug relapse.

Drug policy under New Labour 1997-2010: Prolonging the war on drugs

Julian Buchanan — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:17:16 PDT

In 1997 New Labour came to power with a landslide victory. This period also marked a watershed for illicit drug use which had become so widespread across the UK that it was regarded as a mainstream adolescent experience. However, broadly speaking there were two groups of drug users: one group of young people who selectively used drugs on a recreational and largely non-problematic basis; while another group (usually unemployed and socially excluded), who used whatever drugs they could find in a chaotic and problematic manner. Drug taking had become a normalized activity and criminalization of these drugs seemed unenforceable, out of touch and inappropriate. Inheriting an unworkable 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act 1997 seemed an opportune time for the New Labour government to deliver on its ‘promise of change’ and introduce drug legislation fit for the new millennium. This article reflects upon some of the key policy and legal changes introduced by the New Labour government (1997—2010) to manage drug use and misuse.

Understanding and misunderstanding problem drug use: working together

Julian Buchanan — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:00:14 PDT

There is no abstract for this work