Dr Ursula Read from the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine will be leading the research in Ghana, having previously conducted research on mental health and human rights in the country, including looking into social inclusion for persons with experiences of mental illness.
Dr Erminia Colucci, the Principal Investigator from the Middlesex University, will lead the research in Indonesia, and together they will be working collaboratively with the University of Ghana, the University of Gadjah Mada in Indonesia and local mental health advocacy groups and arts organisations.
“Ritual and spiritual practices remain highly valued in addressing mental illness in both countries, despite increased availability of mental health services,” said Dr Read.
“This project will use filmed interviews and observations and participatory methods to investigate how mental health workers establish collaborations with faith-based and traditional healers in particular settings and how these can prevent the use of coercion and improve care for individuals affected by mental illness.”
The use of visual methods aims to make the project accessible to people with personal experience of mental illness, from different socio-economic backgrounds, levels of educational achievement and languages.
The project will also build a network to share experiences and examples of best practice to reduce the use of coercion and restraint, and improve access to care for people with mental illness.
The ESRC and the AHRC have awarded £4.9 million in funding for seven projects across three continents in the effort to address and prevent poor mental health – pillars that unpin several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.