MOOD Project

Country

Scotland

Description

Mental health options for older people with depression

Aims

The project aims to identify older people who are diagnosed as having a depressive illness and to devise a range of resources to support carers and users.

Areas

Health, Leisure, Social services

Effectiveness

The project has proven to lead to:

• Improved quality of life for participants and reduced isolation.
• Evidence of reduced medication and fewer admissions to hospital.
• Over three hundred referrals in seven years.
• High weekly attendances due to accessibility and no cost to client.
• Evaluation completed by the Scottish Mental Health Development Centre highlighting cost benefits.

Sustainability

MOOD has been funded over the past seven years by the Scottish Executive Mental Health Specific Grant. In October a successful application to the Executive would guarantee three year funding from 2008-2011

Referrals come mainly from community psychiatric nurses and social workers and the increasing number of older people living longer ensures that there is a steady flow of referrals.

Innovation

This project is the only one of its kind in this part of Scotland. The group is also involved in intergenerational work and work specific to older men at risk of suicide/self harm. This is done using small activity/interest groups which bring older vulnerable and isolated people together once weekly.

Presentations are given to schools to reduce stigmatisation of older people with mental health problems. Intergenerational working with school pupils and older people ensures that barriers are broken down and old age myths are dispelled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Added Value

MOOD uses volunteers in providing drivers and escorts to groups. Fewer admissions to institutional care and reduced medication ensure added value.

Transferability

This group could be replicated in any community. It is locally based and the area of need has a small population of around 65,000. The group is aware of local culture and needs. The project is flexible and adapts easily to changes in clients' needs.

Mainstreaming Potential

The work carried out by MOOD fits the Scottish Executive's strategy to reduce stigmatisation of mental health issues and the Choose Life aims of reducing suicide.

It meets the Local Authority Best Value standards and recognised by the Council as a valuable resource in prevention in the mental health field.

Costs of the Project

60,000 per annum

People involved in the Project (number of people and profession)

One social work qualified project leader, one part time administrator, seven sessional workers and two volunteers.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Project

Cost effective person centred accessible project with seven years of experience in providing this service. Excellent networking with statutory and voluntary agencies. Difficulties with transport arrangements and limited long term funding.

Contact Person for the Project

Robert Cook

ANSWER House
Reveston Lane

Whitburn West Lothian

Scotland
EH47 8HL

Tel: +44 1501 749974

e-mail: moodproject@tiscali.co.uk