Mary Tilki, Charlotte Curran, Liz Burton and Lyndsey Barrett
This paper aims to showcase an innovative programme of physical activity and sport to enhance the health and well-being of people with Young Onset Dementia (YOD). It is hoped that…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to showcase an innovative programme of physical activity and sport to enhance the health and well-being of people with Young Onset Dementia (YOD). It is hoped that this will inspire similar collaborations between day and activity centres and exercise/sports facilities.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study of a collaborative programme between Peaceful Place, a day service for people with YOD and Sport for Confidence in Essex. It draws upon the observations and reflective accounts of those implementing the programme.
Findings
People with YOD chose and engaged in a range of physical activities and sports, resulting in increased fitness, flexibility and mobility. There were improvements in memory, cognition for some and reductions in anxiety and depression for most. The main benefits were fun, enjoyment, confidence, a sense of achievement, self-esteem, improved social interaction and wider relationships. Participants were also motivated to take more exercise, get outdoors and try new challenges and experiences.
Practical implications
Given the predicted rise in people with YOD, this paper offers insight into ways of supporting them to be active physically and socially, thus, improving health, well-being and quality of life.
Originality/value
This paper is the account of professionals deeply involved in all stages of negotiating, consulting, developing, overcoming challenges and implementing the programme.
Details
Keywords
Patrick Hopkinson, Peter Bryngelsson, Andrew Voyce, Mats Niklasson and Jerome Carson
The purpose of this study is to mirror the late guitarist Peter Green’s life experiences through insights from Andrew Voyce, who recovered from mental illness, and expertise from…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to mirror the late guitarist Peter Green’s life experiences through insights from Andrew Voyce, who recovered from mental illness, and expertise from Peter Bryngelsson, a Swedish professional musician and author.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a mixed method of collaborative autoethnography, psychobiography and digital team ethnography.
Findings
Despite having not previously attracted academic interest, Peter Green’s experiences of mental health problems and his return to recording and performance provide a rich data source when mirrored and compared to the lives and experiences of Andrew Voyce and Peter Bryngelsson.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this piece of work is that Peter Green died in 2020. During the process of writing, the authors have had to follow different, mostly unacademic, sources that have described various parts of Peter Green’s life. The authors have given examples and drawn conclusions from their own lives as well as from academic sources, which they have found appropriate.
Practical implications
Both Andrew Voyce and Peter Bryngelsson’s stories would be helpful when it comes to a deeper understanding as to why Peter Green “took a left turn”, i.e., turned his back on an accepted lifestyle.
Social implications
Acid casualty is a problem connected to both mental distress and to the music industry. Peter Bryngelsson’s story tells us that one can remain sane and drug free and still be an influential and creative musician.
Originality/value
The analysis has brought together two stories of mental distress in combination with insights.
Details
Keywords
Rebecca Lyndsey Hardiman and Cathy Harding
This paper aims to describe the approach taken to identify areas for development and to enhance positive practice, in line with a preventative tier 1 positive behaviour support…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe the approach taken to identify areas for development and to enhance positive practice, in line with a preventative tier 1 positive behaviour support (PBS) approach. The work was conducted within a supported living service, where 10 individuals with a learning disability reside.
Design/methodology/approach
The intervention was provided through a dedicated behavioural clinical specialist role over nine months. An initial assessment included measures evaluating PBS, active support and staff culture. Narrative themes were also noted from discussions with staff to deepen the understanding of informal staff culture. Together, this informed a programme of work guided by the setting of both individual and service-wide goals. Input included practice leadership, staff training, review of PBS plans and delivery of case workshops. Assessments were then repeated to evaluate the work completed.
Findings
There were indications of improvements in staff culture and practice following the intervention.
Originality/value
This practice example may be useful for other organisations to consider when thinking about how to use resources effectively to improve people’s quality of life and implement tier 1 of PBS provision.