Involving service users in mental health services: Social Services Departments and the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990

Abstract

This paper examines user involvement in community care services directed toward those experiencing mental distress. It analyses past experience of involvement in service delivery and planning and the issues this highlights. It reports on two research studies which reveal considerable confusion about the meaning and purpose of user involvement, little evidence of power-sharing with users and limited commitment of resources to make further participation possible. Interviews with 135 users reveal enthusiasm for extending their own involvement if they receive appropriate support. The conclusion considers continuing barriers to developing effective participation of service users in the management and delivery of services.