Psychologically informed environments and the “Enabling Environments” initiative

Bibliographic Data

ID12652134
AuthorsRex Haigh (0000-0002-8692-2983, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Bracknell, UK, corresponding author), Tom Harrison (0000-0002-8437-5197, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK), Robin Johnson (0000-0001-8147-1530, RJA Consultancy, Falmouth, UK), Sarah Paget (Royal College of Psychiatrists), Susan Williams (0000-0002-4479-8638, Putting People First Ltd, Walmer, UK)
Year2012
Volume15
Issue1
Pages34-42
Publication date2012-03-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHousing Care and Support (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1460-8790 • E-ISSN: 2042-8375
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/14608791211238412
OpenAlexW2057956759
LanguageEN
Citations received18
References cited14

Purpose This paper aims to describe the origins of the concept of a psychologically informed environment (PIE), as now adopted and applied in homelessness resettlement, placing this in the context of work recently carried out under the aegis of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Centre for Quality Improvement to recognise and promote “enabling environments” in all areas of social practice. Design/methodology/approach This paper gives an historical account of the contemporary development of new thinking and practical applications for enhancing community mental health and well-being. Findings The concept of an enabling environment (EE) arose out of efforts to up-date for the twenty-first century the post-war concept of a therapeutic community, for all services working with the same basic core values and psycho-social awareness. The EE approach now applies this framework more flexibly, yet with a clear operational focus in each sector, to a wider range of organisational contexts, social practice and agencies outside the therapy and care services world. From the outset, homelessness resettlement and social housing practice was seen as a key part of the overall ambition. Practical implications Understanding the values base behind social-psychological approaches in social practice environments helps to translate these ideas into service-led improvements in actual frontline services practice. In particular, the enabling environments approach offers a handy tool for self-assessment and service improvement, which is fully compatible with the PIE's philosophy. Originality/value The concept of a PIE is currently acquiring momentum within homelessness resettlement work in the UK. In helping to establish the underlying values framework for psychologically-informed services; and also provide tools for such services to use, this paper makes a contribution to help inform developing practice

Business · Context (archaeology · Engineering ethics · Mental health · Originality · Political science · Psychotherapist · Public relations · Qualitative research · Service (business · Social science · Sociology · Value (mathematics · Computer Science · Engineering · Homelessness and Social Issues · Housing, Finance, and Neoliberalism · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology · Social Work · Marketing

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