Supporting people with depression and anxiety: a guide for practice nurses

This guide has been devleoped for GP practice nurses following a three year research study called ProCEED (Proactive care and its evaluation for enduring depression), conducted by Dr Marta Buszewicz and a research team at University College London

A maverick in the mind: exploring the haunting spectre of tensions in 'maverick' educators fostering unconventional student-learner relationships and empowerment against existing tensions within educational frameworks

Some educators are haunted by the spectre of a 'maverick in the mind'. Wilfully driven and shaped by life experiences they live in a constant tension, often at odds with the apparent constraints of the educational system. They fight perceived enemies in their quest to transform learners. This paper, part of ongoing PhD studies employs aspects of narrative inquiry and life history/life story methodologies to explore some encountered tensions and how they foster unconventional pedagogic practices and stranger mindful imaginings. Bourdieu's 'Habitus' and 'Capital' theories (Bourdieu and Wacquant, 1992) and Goffman's (1959) perspective on roles as acted out, provide theoretical underpinning

Blue remembered skills : mental health awareness training for police officers

The Bradley Report (Bradley, 2009) has raised a number of important questions regarding the treatment of individuals who are experiencing mental health problems and find themselves in the criminal justice system. One of the key recommendations is that professional staff working across criminal justice organisations should receive increased training in this area. This paper explores the experiences of two professionals, a mental health nurse and a social worker, involved in providing training for police officers. It goes on to consider the most effective models of training for police officers

The influence of therapeutic horticulture on social integration

Study Purpose: The purpose of the pilot study was to qualitatively evaluate the impact of therapeutic horticulture on social integration for people who have mental health problems. Method: A qualitative grounded theory approach captured the perceptions about therapeutic horticulture from people with mental health problems. Data were collected using semi-structured focus group and interviews from a purposive sample (n= 7) and were analysed using a constant comparative approach. Findings: Four key themes emerged from the analysis: ‘A Space to Grow’, ‘Seeing the Person’, ‘Learning about Each Other through Nature’ and ‘Connecting to Nature and Others’. The findings suggest that therapeutic horticulture enabled participants to integrate socially, engage with nature and develop confidence. Social Implications: Therapeutic horticulture embodies the principles of empowerment, person centeredness and can support people with mental health problems to integrate socially. Originality: There is limited evidence about the influence that therapeutic horticulture have on mental health and social integration. The use of therapeutic horticulture is an area that is gathering evidence and this small study highlights the perceived potential benefits of this approach

Depression: Current treatments with low cost strategies

Depression has profound social, economic and personal consequences for the affected individual, and it shows no signs of abating in the general population. There are several treatment modalities available for this debilitating illness, however, effective as they are, these treatments have pitfalls. Antidepressants are the most common form of treatment for depression; they are relatively cheap and effective, but induce uncomfortable side-effects, some of which can be life threatening. These can include cardiotoxicity, weight gain, serotonin syndrome, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth and urinary retention. Electroconvulsive therapy has been used in the treatment of depression since the late 1930s and is effective particularly in severe depression. It is quick acting, but its use tend to evoke moral and ethical debates. Psychological therapies have been used since the 9th century and are effective and have little side-effects but they are relatively expensive and there is a long waiting list in the NHS for these therapies. Emerging evidence suggest a place for the use of exercise to improve depressive symptoms. The article discusses evidence in support of exercise and ecotherapy in particular to alleviate symptoms of depression and promote recovery. This has implications for mental health nursing practice

Combating Corruption in the Private Sector

Combating private sector corruption is indispensable for economic growth. This paper sought to interrogate the impact of corruption in private sector and explore enabling strategies to retard private sector corruption and allow the economy to grow. The research applied a qualitative approach using an exploratory research design. The research participants were purposively selected from the Chief Executive Officers of private corporations that were conveniently accessed in Harare Metropolitan Province. Data collection methods included unstructured interviews and documentary review. The results established that major causes of corruption in the private sector include effects of colonial heritage, low percentage of women in the labour force, deteriorating cultural factors and endowment of natural resources. It was also found that the impact of private sector corruption negatively manifest itself in the community, it derails investments, foreign direct investment, foreign trade and foreign aid, affects gross domestic product and the economic growth and productivity. The study recommended that strong adherence to corporate governance principles, building strong positive culture and improving corporate integrity, incorporating financial institutions and promulgating effective laws against bribery and corruption in the private will help in reducing private sector corruption. It can be concluded that the fight against corruption should be given top priority as its success has the potential to grow the economy. Keywords: private sector corruption, strategies, economy DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-20-02 Publication date:October 31st 202

Examining the Challenges and Opportunities for Artisanal Miners in Mt Darwin District, Zimbabwe

The study aimed at examining challenges, opportunities and enabling strategies for the development of artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) and their communities in Mount Darwin District, Zimbabwe. The study employed a descriptive qualitative design. The 8 research participants were purposively selected from the Mount Darwin prominent artisanal miners and community leaders. The data collection methods included interviews, document review and direct observation. The study found that ASM face challenges such as lack of necessary mining equipment, lack of access to electricity, have poor financial credit facilities, lack expertise, lack of progressive legal framework, lack of relevant institutions and environmental challenges. The research revealed that proper functioning of ASM may lead to economic growth, employment creation, increase in level of production thereby improving the livelihoods. The study recommended the use effective policy formulation and implementation, improving administrative and legal framework issues, creation of mining learning institutions and use of technology. Future researchers should deal with the transformation of artisanal and small-scale miners into companies or cooperatives. Keywords: Artisanal and small-scale miners, challenges and opportunities DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-20-04 Publication date:October 31st 202

Challenging criminal justice? Psychosocial disability and rape victimization

In a context in which research evidence indicates high rates of alleged sexual victimization among adults with psychosocial disabilities, this article draws upon rape allegation data collected by the Metropolitan Police Service in April and May 2012, to explore some of the challenges that are posed to the criminal justice system by these types of complainants. Although the insights that can be generated from these data in relation to complainants with psychosocial disabilities are limited, in the context of this article it provides a valuable snapshot into contemporary patterns of rape victimization and attrition in England and Wales. It also serves as a useful stepping off point from which to highlight the need for more sustained critical research and reflection on the treatment of complainants, and the adequacy of police and prosecutor training and practice in this area