A framework for a community-based programme for people with mental illness and their families in a rural setting

ABSTRACT

While community-based programmes have gained recognition as an effective mental health intervention to improve the well-being and promote quality of life, their implementation remains a challenge. This is attributable to lack of necessary skills amongst professionals who have a responsibility to establish and manage these programmes. This article provides a framework for social workers to develop and implement community-based programmes for rural people with mental illness and their families. The framework was developed from an in-depth literature review and a comprehensive empirical study into the factors that influence the functioning and well-being of people with mental illness and their families at Mashashane, a rural community in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The article argues that incorporating community inputs in the development of a framework ensures the relevance of the interventions to the identified needs and increases the likelihood of community acceptance.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-based programme
• framework
• intervention mental illness
• rural setting

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all those who participated in various studies that contributed to the development of this framework.

Disclosure statement

Authors declare that there is no known conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Thabisa C. Matsea

Dr. Thabisa C. Matsea is a senior lecturer at the University of Venda in Limpopo Province. Dr Matsea obtained PhD in Social Work from the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. She has experience in teaching higher education. She has worked as a social worker in community and health settings. Her research interests include teaching and learning in higher education, social work as well as mental health for rural settings.

Elma H. Ryke

Professor Elma H. Ryke is an associate professor at North West University, Potchefstroom Campus. She has vast experience in teaching at higher institution of learning. She is well published on substance abuse and related issues. She also has interest in psychosocial well-being in households and communities, environmental strengths as well as policy and practice.

Mike L. Weyers

Professor Mike L. Weyers is also a professor at North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. He has been teaching at the university for quite some time and has supervised many masters and PhD students. Prof. Weyers is an established author with vested interest in community work, community development and social development.