“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
A 3-year research programme funded by the Economic and Social Research Council 2004-7
Key researcher: Dr Hester Parr
The aim of this research programme is to critically evaluate how people with mental health problems achieve social stability and inclusion in their everyday lives. A strategic approach to this general aim will mean that the research deliberately evaluates innovative pathways to seeking social inclusion through a focus on voluntary sector gardening schemes, help-seeking on the internet and arts advocacy projects. Understanding if, how and why people who participate in such schemes feel a sense of belonging in the places and communities in which they live will be a priority. Taking a geographical approach, these facilitative spaces will be examined by the use of qualitative methods (including in-depth, semi-structured interviews, participants observation and collaborative film-making). This research will highlight the role of vulnerable people as 'active citizens' and will help further understanding about how self-empowerment is developed through particular activities in different social spaces. The research will produce substantial user and policy-friendly feedback and result in a series of academic publications.The programme is funded by the ESRC under grant number RES-000-27-0043 'Embodied Geographies of Inclusion: Placing Difference'.
It follows a project on rural mental health issues in the Highlands, see Social geographies of rural mental health: experiencing inclusion and exclusion.
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