Educating Paramedics about community-based mental health support
Clinical and community-based approaches to mental health often operate independently of each other. The GAMH Community Hub recently hosted trainee Paramedics to highlight the benefits of combining clinical and community-based approaches to mental health care.
Building an understanding of community-based mental health support outside the NHS
As part of our commitment to sharing best practice in mental health recovery, the GAMH Community Hub hosted students from Glasgow Caledonian University this past summer. The two-week placements were part of the university’s BSc in Paramedic Science course.
The placements immersed the students in the daily workings of the Community Hub, GAMH’s safe space for those recovering from mental health challenges. They provided students with a chance to build their understanding of mental health and community-based support outside of the NHS. Through participating in Hub activities and spending time with members and staff, they witnessed firsthand the ways a non-clinical, community-based service can support people in recovery.
An “effective and holistic approach to mental health in action”
Each placement ensured students had the chance to hear directly from those with lived experience of mental health challenges. It can be difficult to capture the importance and impact of projects like the GAMH Hub within a classroom or clinical setting. First-hand experience can, however, better demonstrate their value.
Several students reflected that the Hub is a “seemingly simple but really effective and holistic approach to mental health in action” and has the potential to be “life-changing” for individuals needing support. The way the Hub builds a sense of community and creates purpose and structure for recovery, in particular, was highlighted.
The importance of social connection and meaningful activity in recovery
In addition to giving students opportunities to interact with individuals in recovery, the placements also helped ensure future first responders understand the wider community-based mental health support network. By introducing them to providers like GAMH, they will be better able to access suitable support when responding to mental health-related emergencies.
Undoubtedly, this is an area where these placements excel. By spending time in a non-clinical environment, the students gained a broader understanding of the importance of social connection and meaningful activity in recovery. As one reflected: “My time (at the GAMH Hub) was fun, and I won’t forget it, and I will make sure to think about what I learned and apply it to my future practice.”
Recognising the importance of community-based mental health support
GAMH Community Hub would like to thank all 10 students for their enthusiasm, openness and contribution to Hub life. We hope this experience will stay with them throughout their careers and help them recognise the important role community-based mental health support can play alongside emergency and clinical services.
Mental health support in the community from GAMH
The GAMH Community Hub is a safe place where people can find support, meet others, and take part in activities that help with mental health recovery and wellbeing. Based in the heart of Glasgow, the Hub is here to help people in Glasgow feel less alone and better supported in their mental health recovery.
Learn more about the GAMH Community Hub or find out how to access support from GAMH.
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