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Table 5 Descriptions of the types of PMH community-centred interventions identified in mapping exercise

From: Community interventions for improving adult mental health: mapping local policy and practice in England

Type of intervention

Description

Signposting, information referral, advice services

Linking residents to non-clinical sources of support, advice and information. This includes what is often described as “social prescribing”.

Advocacy and legal support

Active support, advocacy and case management provided to residents.

Education, training and workshops to expand skillsets

Training courses and workshops to develop skills and increase confidence (e.g. job interview training, IT skills development, financial literacy workshops, art courses)

Education, training and workshops for mental health awareness, prevention and recovery

Training courses, workshops and self-help material that aim to prevent suicide, help residents manage stress and anxiety (e.g. stress management courses, relaxation workshops and wellbeing apps, online self-help guides, helplines), maintain good mental health (e.g. ‘The Recovery College’), increase knowledge around mental health (e.g. mental health first aid) and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

Promoting physical activity

Programmes designed to increase physical activity of residents with the aim of promoting positive mental health (e.g. walking groups, dance classes, yoga)

Peer support and mentoring

Help, guidance and reciprocal support offered by peers, volunteers, or other members of the community.

Social activities and befriending

Events and groups that aim to connect residents with others in their community to reduce social isolation and build confidence (e.g. community events, sports groups, art classes, befriending services)

Practical help and assistance

Practical help designed to improve the quality of life of residents and support independent living. This includes ensuring access to affordable household heating, improving household security and fire safety, conducting falls assessments, assisting with transport, cleaning, picking up prescriptions, groceries and baby supplies, and providing respite for carers and baby banks that provide baby necessities to parents.

Food security interventions

Programmes that promote wellbeing by providing meals, groceries, practical skills and support to those experiencing food insecurity.

Policies, strategies, funding and networks

Initiatives that aim to encourage collaboration and joint working, promote the mental health and wellbeing “agenda”, provide small grants, build organisational and community capacity (including supporting community groups and training volunteers), reduce fragmented referral care pathways or improve the delivery and implementation programmes.

Animal and green space interventions

Programmes designed to promote positive mental health through increased access to calming spaces for residents (e.g. greenspace initiatives, quiet rooms, animal farms).

Prevention of further decline in mental illness

Interventions which aim to prevent decline of those who already have poor mental health