Outcomes of a co-produced and co-delivered relaxation course for service users and staff at a secure mental health service

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to gauge the usefulness of a Recovery College relaxation course for both staff and service users within a secure mental health setting. Design/methodology/approach The course compromised of seven stand alone sessions, each teaching a different relaxation skill. Pre- and Post questionnaires were administered comprising of two closed and one open ended questions. Findings Participants (n = 49) reported an average decrease of 32% in pre- and post-session tension. Ninety-two percent of evaluative responses endorsed sessions as “worthwhile” and 92% endorsed the relaxation skills as “useful in the future”. Participants described the workshops as “enjoyable” and “relaxing”. Practical implications In the spirit of Recovery Colleges, the course offers the opportunity for individuals with lived experience to participate in the production and delivery of interventions. Improving both staff and service user well-being is cost-effective and may help to normalise and de-stigmatise difficulties with stress and anxiety. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this appears to be the first evaluation of a co-produced and co-delivered relaxation course for both staff and service users within inpatient mental health settings. This paper presents a preliminary evaluation of a novel intervention to improve staff and service user well-being.