Background to the Research
- In 1995, the SSI was asked
by the DHSS to lead a developmental project to examine and promote
the development of services to meet the social and psychological needs
of individuals affected by the conflict.
- The main objectives were
to:
- Identify the referral arrangements.
- Explore the arrangements
for publicity, policy implementation and practice.
- Identify and promote good
practice.
- Identify gaps in provision.
- Develop a basic set of standards
for work in this area.
- Provide a report making
recommendations as necessary.
- It was considered that the
report could form the basis of a charter for those affected by the
conflict and that it could be used to raise general awareness of the
problem.
Research Approach
- A lay assessor was appointed to assist
the project leader.
- The SSI developed a draft project brief.
- A reference group of representatives of
relevant organisations was established.
- A workshop was set up to allow for comment
on the proposed project.
- Written responses were invited from professional
organisations.
- Local community groups were invited to
express their views.
- Questionnaires were distributed to key
target groups involved in the provision of relevant services.
- Survey responses were analysed and interpreted.
- Follow up interviews were held with certain
respondents.
- A draft report was prepared and reference
group consulted again.
- A final report was prepared for publication
and dissemination.
Main Findings
Referrals
- GP's often play a key role, as they are
frequently the first point of contact.
- The voluntary and community sectors offer
useful support. Crisis support teams have been developed by social
services in some parts of NI.
- Many people referred with addiction problems
blame their condition on events related to the conflict.
- Health and social services have not tailored
their response to deal with those most affected.
- Self support groups were seen to provide
valuable help.
- Some services are unfortunately located
in non neutral areas.
- There are concerns about confidentiality.
- Only the most seriously affected should
be referred to the mental health services as these are perceived to
carry a stigma.
- Access to the psychology services is considered
inadequate. A co-ordinated response involving all the relevant bodies
is required.
- The crisis support teams should be developed
province wide. The location of services needs to be carefully considered.
- The manpower requirements of the psychology
service should be examined to improve its effectiveness.
Publicity, Policy Implementation
and Practice
- There is a general lack of information
and awareness about available and existing services. Some form of
register/directory of services should be available.
- Support services should offer a 'continuum
of care,' graded to provide appropriate levels of service as required.
Training should be available for those
working within this continuum and provided on the principles of anti-sectarian
practice.
- There are many concerns about counselling,
such as accreditation, supervision, co-ordination, quality and effectiveness.
- Many organisations have difficulty in accessing
sufficient funding.
- The overall demand for help is increasing
and those affected are mainly located in North and west Belfast and
Londonderry.
Gaps and Shortfalls in Provision
- Better co-ordination and speed is required.
More efficient co-ordination between existing service providers is
desirable.
- Child and adolescent psychiatric services
are under resourced.
- Long waiting lists are the norm for those
requiring psychological support.
- There are a number of worrying issues regarding
compensation payouts and the associated legal process.
- Some community and voluntary groups expressed
a lack of trust in social services.
- There was considerable support for the
provision of a 24-hour confidential helpline.
Identifying and Promoting Good
Practice
- The core features identified are:
- Improved availability of information.
- The need for practical help.
- Timely intervention when required.
- Sharing information with children as they
can be severely affected following trauma.
- Training of those providing help.
- Better networking and liaison between agencies.
- Avoiding the creation of dependency in
those affected.
- Recognising that symptoms may recur.
- Developing a role for volunteers with listening
skills.
- It was acknowledged that:
- Local services have incorporated many of
these features in their own practice and that self help groups
have been vigorous and effective in many areas.
- Proficient voluntary organisations supervise
and regularly support their counsellors.
- The Institute for Counselling and Personal
Development has organised useful courses to improve volunteer's
confidence in helping individuals.
- Some respected voluntary organisations
have felt the need to look beyond NI in order to fulfil their
training requirements.
A Proposed Set of Basic Standards
for Work With Individuals Affected by the Conflict
- Services should be accessible and freely
available when and where required.
- Affected individuals should be treated
with respect and dignity.
- Services must respect the client's right
to privacy.
- There should be ready access to information
on the range of services available.
- Helpers must be trained, supervised and
supported adequately.
- Those providing counselling should be trained,
supervised and supported to the standards set by the appropriate accredited
body.
- Those helping should know the limits of
their service and understand the range of services available from
other sources.
- The network of service providers should
maintain good lines of communication with one another to ensure satisfactory
liaison.
- Service providers should aim to restore
the client's independence and should avoid creating dependency.
- Those providing help should recognise that
symptoms may recur or manifest themselves long after the event.
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