The university’s Social Science Policy and Research Centre (SSPARC) was recognised for its contribution to research in mental health care, at the Positive Practice Awards in Sussex.
The research team received a Positive Practice Gold award for Research and Teaching at the inaugural awards ceremony, hosted by Sussex NHS Partnership Foundation Trust. The awards celebrate and champion work across the region that has made a difference to patient care.
The award highlighted the Section 136 in Sussex research project led by Professor Gillian Bendelow, Professor of Sociology of Health & Medicine, working in partnership with the Trust and Sussex Police. The research explores the high rates of detention, often in police custody, of severely distressed individuals under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
The research links the narrative ‘lived experience’ of sufferers and service users to develop good practice across inter-agency emergency mental health responses and the researchers have participated in a Home Office Roundtable Consultation, influencing future policy. In March, Professor Bendelow presented the research team’s findings to the British Academy.
Professor Bendelow said: “I’m delighted that our work in this important area of patient care has been recognised. This is a great example of collaborative work across the region making an impact on individuals’ lives and improving professional practice.”
For more information about the Section 136 in Sussex research project visit the SSPARC area of the university website.
