“Talking in a New Way”: Older Individuals' Experiences of Group Work in an Acute Psychiatric Ward

Abstract

Group work is frequently used in mental health, however qualitative studies on service-users' views are rare. Semistructured interviews explored 12 participants' experiences of a café-style social group and a mutual-aid group offered on an older persons psychiatric ward in Christchurch, New Zealand. The values of the strengths-based approach underpinning the groups were reflected back in the experience of an affirming environment, an exchange of strengths, and the capacity to change. The appeal of the café-style may be culturally specific to European women however, reinforcing the importance of an awareness of culture and diversity.

^†This article was published posthumously.

Keywords:

• older adults
• mental health
• group work
• strengths-based approach

Acknowledgments

The authors dedicate this article to Jennifer Partington (6 March 1959–4 February 2011) with love and respect. Her vision, strength, and commitment were integral to these groups and this research. Being the person she was, she made them fun too. The authors also thank all the participants in the Coffee Club and Wellness Group across the years who have helped the groups evolve into what they are. Special thanks to the individuals who took part in the interviews.

Notes

^†This article was published posthumously.