Cassandra Geisel in Conversation with Will Higham: Unraveling the Complexities of Community Mental Health Systems

From Therapy to Social Change

Navigating the complicated maze of community mental health is no small feat. Will Higham joins us with insights reflecting his experience from years of working in community mental health across the UK. In conversation with Cassandra Geisel (MBACP), TaSC member with experience in working in community based suicide prevention, we gain an understanding of co-production in mental health services and the necessity for responsive, justice-oriented healthcare systems. As we traverse the shifting political terrain of the UK, Will's personal experiences become a lens through which we examine the broader implications of mental health policies and the urgent need for government-led health initiatives. The conversation looks at the current state of mental health in the UK and how it is at a point of humanitarian crisis. Something different needs to happen. Can we rely on the upcoming elections to spark that change?

Forming alliances within the healthcare sector, especially in mental health, is akin to a delicate dance—one that requires balance, precision, and an acute understanding of community needs. Our discussion turns to the challenges of integrating smaller community groups with larger NHS structures, the significance of equitable funding, and the balance between clinical and social health models. We discuss the importance of clinicians venturing beyond the confines of therapy rooms to engage in deep partnership work, and the transformative power of such alliances in strengthening mental health support services for everyone involved.

The conversation goes on to reflect on the critical role of local initiatives in propelling national health missions forward, particularly in the realm of mental health. The conversation examines the nuance between therapy sessions and a client's socio-environmental conditions. We explore how policy decisions impact communities grappling with health inequalities and the importance of recognising the gaps in care that are often filled by grassroots organisations. How do we, as therapists, learn from the knowledge and assets that exist in community spaces? What does collaboration across the mental health sector look like? The conversation ends in a call to action for cross-sector collaboration, recognizing the collective effort required to address the mental health crisis and inspire a more resilient, healthy society.
Website: Together, we can transform community mental health (rethink.org)
This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

Chapters

1. Community Mental Health and Social Change (00:00:00)

2. Challenges of Building Alliances in Healthcare (00:10:56)

3. National Mission Rooted in Local Communities (00:15:08)

4. Therapy vs. Community Tension (00:20:32)

5. Navigating the Mental Health System (00:26:20)

6. Mental Health Crisis and Government Response (00:38:15)

7. Empowering Solutions for Community Mental Health (00:47:38)