A consideration of the nature and purpose of mental health social work

Welcome:
Guest

Mental Health and Social Inclusion

ISSN: 2042-8308
Previously published as: A Life in the Day

Online from: 2010

Subject Area: Health and Social Care

Content: Latest Issue | Latest Issue RSS | Previous Issues

Options: To add Favourites and Table of Contents Alerts please take a Emerald profile

Document Information:
Title:	A consideration of the nature and purpose of mental health social work
Author(s):	Robert Goemans, (Based at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK)
Citation:	Robert Goemans, (2012) "A consideration of the nature and purpose of mental health social work", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 16 Iss: 2, pp.90 - 96
Keywords:	Mental health, Mental illness, Personalisation, Recovery, Social care, Social inclusion, Social work
Article type:	Conceptual paper
DOI:	10.1108/20428301211232504 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract:	Purpose – This paper aims to provide an analysis of the mental health social work role, its contribution to social inclusion, and its ability to translate this into practice. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers national policy, research and theory to consider the nature of social work and the mental health system. Findings – While social work is ideally placed to challenge the biomedical model and promote social inclusion, organisational and other failings would appear to seriously undermine its ability to do so. Originality/value – The paper considers some important issues facing social work and mental health, and raises points for thought and discussion.