Scoping the field of Mental Health Social Care

Introduction – for truly biopsychosocial mental health systems we need to understand the social dimensions of people’s lives and how to better support those and help people lead fulfilling lives. The social care sector in England as it relates to mental health encompasses local authority care and support, the work of social workers and others, and the work of voluntary and community (third sector) organisations. These latter comprise a hugely diverse range of organisations e.g. size (national to very local groups) and populations supported, often working directly with/in marginalised communities. The social aspects of recovery and delivery of support, and of the potential of these organisations to help people deliver their hopes for a meaningful life have been neglected in research and policy in England.

Methods – we scoped understanding of MHSC through semi-structured interviews with leading figures from policy and practice (including local authorities and third sector organisations), and with people with lived experience of mental health problems and/or of being a carer. The interviews were thematically analysed to understand what MHSC is, what its potential could be and what are its research priorities.

Results – participants understand of mental health social care sat across key frames, including legislation, organisational boundaries, and the social model of disability. Articulation of these provides a coherent base for developing research programmes to enhance the sector’s evidence-base.

Discussion – building on this scoping work we are developing a coherent identity for the field of MHSC, enabling progress towards a stronger evidence base from which to have great impact on improving policy and practice.

Conclusion – MHSC has been a neglected field which has undermined the development of better local systems of care and support for people. By developing the identity of MHSC we aim to collaboratively have greater impact.