John Lord

Nothing about me, without me: participatory action research with self-help/mutual aid organizations for psychiatric consumer/survivors.

Participatory action research with self-help/mutual aid organizations for psychiatric consumer/survivors is reviewed. We begin by tracing the origins of and defining both participatory action research and self-help/mutual aid. In so doing, the degree of correspondence between the assumptions/values of participatory action research and those of self-help/mutual aid for psychiatric consumer/survivors is examined. We argue that participatory action research and self-help/mutual aid share four values in common: (a) empowerment, (b) supportive relationships, (c) social change, and (d) learning as an ongoing process. Next, selected examples of participatory action research with psychiatric consumer/survivor-controlled self-help/mutual aid organizations which illustrate these shared values are provided. We conclude with recommendations of how the key values can be promoted in both the methodological and substantive aspects of future participatory action research with self-help/mutual aid organizations for psychiatric consumer/survivors.

Shifting the paradigm in community mental health : towards empowerment and community

This ground-breaking study examines changes in the values and related practices within community mental health that occurred between 1984 and 1998. During this period, a distinct shift in policy coincided with a new emphasis on mental health reform. Consumer/survivors and other mental health claims-makers played an active role in shaping mental health policy during this time and influenced the trend of consumer/survivor and family participation and empowerment in the policy and planning process. This unique two-and-a-half year study examined one community in depth by looking at the changes that occurred for individuals, organisations, and policy. While the three organizations under study followed their own unique path toward change, the authors contend that there were also common elements in the journey toward the .empowerment community-integration. paradigm. Central to this shift was the emphasis on building an organization based on consensually defined values and a vision for the future. Shifting The Paradigm in Community Mental Health is itself a valuable guide for future research and for the consumers and administrators within the mental health community as well as in other areas of human services. This is an important guide for anyone interested in innovation and social change.