What is the challenge your project is going to address and how does it connect to the theme of 'How can we improve across system boundaries?​

NHS services are under pressure due to resourcing and demands. The traditional talking therapies are not ideal for all individuals and there can be constraints in relation to timing and number of sessions available that can be challenging in this system.

Adults with intellectual disability can benefit from more creative opportunities to develop a narrative about their trauma history and to move towards recovery. Previously we have acquired funding to offer a similar project with a group of male service users who have forensic histories. Feedback from this project was very positive and the service users still refer to their films and the group experience in a positive way approx. 8 years later.

What does your project aim to achieve?

·        To Reduce inequalities for adults with intellectual disabilities; improving access to psychological therapies (Bamford 2015)

·        Improve mental health and wellbeing of service users while increasing meaningful activity, purpose and sense of achievement.  In turn, this can contribute also to a sense of belonging being part of a group and adds to socialisation for participants, which is beneficial for positive mental health outcomes. The project would give ownership/responsibility to participants to develop their story and make a corresponding film.

·        They will also achieve a qualification (ASDAN) which can have a positive impact on mental health for these individuals who have experienced stigma and achievement opportunities have been limited. Overall it is hoped that there will be a Reduction in behavioural dysregulation (self harm ) and mental health symptoms.

How will the project be delivered?

Stakeholders –

Facilitated by NHSCT staff (2) alongside the Educational Shakespeare Company, an accredited independent film-making group to deliver 3 hours per week over 25 weeks

Service user feedback will also be gathered regularly to shape the project

Appropriate accommodation will be sought from a private provider

Measuring Impact & Risk –

Outcome measures will be administered pre and post intervention

Risk assessments will be completed prior to commencement and reviewed as required.

How is your project going to share learning?

The project will be shared across NHSCT and ESC platforms including social media to educate individuals of the issues that exist within service users lives and daily struggles they have.

The films will be shared at a screening event (with consent form service users)

ESC will add the films to their website where others can view these (consent/risk)

This can be beneficial to other service users, and this can foster a sense of inspiration and hope to others with similar stories.

Use of the videos at training events and professional events to share how the use of alternative use of therapies can be beneficial to individuals.

This project will also be shared across the national and regional QI forums, such as the Q  Community and HSCQI, offering site visits and feedback sessions as opportunity arises.