A first Volunteer Case Aid programme in a mental hospital

A pilot Voluntary Case Aid programme in an English Mental Hospital using National Health Service resources is described. The selection of ten volunteers and ten patients and the preparation of all personnel was followed by regular contacts for at least a year. Subsequent evaluation suggested high motivation with both Case Aids and patients. Changes towards improved social functioning were evident in most cases by the end of the project. A relationship starting, continuing and finishing is reported in detail and from this study it is clear that the volunteer was a reality tester for staff and patient alike, constructively disturbing and modifying their mutual projections. This was true of most of the Case Aid interventions and the implications are discussed. A method of group supervision for Case Aids is reported

Medical education · Mental health · Mental hospital · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Service (business) · Volunteer · Medicine · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Nursing · Psychiatric care and mental health services · Psychology