The Tizard Centre

 

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Dr Rachel Forrester-Jones

Reader in Health, Community & Social Care

Tizard

Rachel Forrester-Jones joined the Tizard Centre in January 1998 as lead researcher on a DoH funded national 12 year Community Care follow up study of people moved from learning disability and mental health hospitals. During this project, Rachel developed the Social Network Guide (SNG) which has an international profile, used in research and by NHS and Social Services across the UK, Ireland, Malta, California, Barcelona, Nijmegen, Australia and the Netherlands, as a way of helping individuals develop their social networks. Her co-authored book with Sarah Broadhurst, "Autism and Loss (2007)" highlights the importance of social networks.

Rachel became Lecturer in Community Care at Kent in September 1999, leading curriculum development and teaching on a new certificate course in community care practice for front line staff working with people with learning disabilities, mental health problems and older people. She was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2007 and Reader in Health, Community and Social Care in May 2012. She held the post of Master of Rutherford College from 2002-2011, with responsibility for student welfare and non-academic conduct for over 4,000 students and  hosting University corporate events. Rachel is frequently invited as a Guest Speaker or After Dinner Speaker at many social and academic events.

Rachel is an academic reviewer for the NIHR School for Social Care grant applications, the  NIHR Policy Research Programme RfPB Competition 17, the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disability, Disabilities Studies Quarterly and the Journal for Intellectual Disability Research. She is also an Editorial Board member of the Tizard Learning Disability Review. Rachel is a committee member of L’Arche Community for People with Learning Disabilities, Kent.  Rachel is also a Street Pastors’ Trainer, an inter-denominational organisation set up by Ascension Trust, which works with local churches, Kent County Council, Kent Police and allied NGOs.

Rachel has 31 publications, given 38 conference presentations and her work has had a direct impact on service practice. The results of her studies on supported employment and meaningful activities in relation to the development of social networks has been utilised by services across England and she was invited to present her work on social networks at the Social Exclusion Unit, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and acknowledged in the ‘Mental Health and Social Exclusion Report’ (2004), leading to ‘Action Plan, A Guide to Promoting Social Inclusion’ (Office of Deputy Prime Minister)( 2004). Sent to all UK services, this publication was designed to be used by service users, providers, staff, local agencies and employers (www.socialexclusion.gov.uk).  Rachel’s current interests include palliative care, death and bereavement, supported employment, chronic fatigue syndrome and dementia.

Teaching Rachel currently teaches on post-graduate courses in Intellectual and Developmental Disability and convenes undergraduate modules in learning disability and mental health. She has won 4 teaching prizes and published in teaching journals. She currently supervises 5 MSc students and 4 PhD students including 1 ESRC scholar.

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Also view these in the Kent Academic Repository
Books

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Broadhurst, S. (2008) Autism and Loss. Jessica Kingsley, London, 207 pp. ISBN 9781843104339.

    Abstract

    People with autism often experience difficulty in understanding and expressing their emotions and react to losses in different ways or in ways that carers do not understand. In order to provide effective support, carers need to have the understanding, the skills and appropriate resources to work through these emotional reactions with them. "Autism and Loss" is a complete resource that covers a variety of kinds of loss, including bereavement, loss of friends or staff, loss of home or possessions and loss of health. Rooted in the latest research on loss and autism, yet written in an accessible style, the resource includes a wealth of factsheets and practical tools that provide formal and informal carers with authoritative, tried and tested guidance. This is an essential resource for professional and informal carers working with people with autism who are coping with any kind of loss.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Grant, G. (1997) Resettlement from Large Psychiatric Hospital to Small Community residence. Ashgate Publishing Group, Aldershot, 226 pp. ISBN 9781859723630.

    Abstract

    This text looks at the issues surrounding the "care in the community" approach to mental health welfare. It describes two community housing projects, their aims, philosophy, staffing and resources in relation to local mental health, and provides insights into the structure of individuals' social networks. Vignettes of the residents also provide an understanding of the lives of people with mental health problems

Articles

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2013) The road barely taken: funerals and people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 26 (3). pp. 243. ISSN 1360-2322.

    Gore, N.J. and Forrester-Jones, R. and Yong, R. (2012) Staff experiences of supported employment with SHIEC (Sustainable hub of innovative employment for people with complex needs). British Journal of Learning Disabilities. ISSN 1354-4187.

    Forrester-Jones, Rachel and Carpenter, John and Coolen-Schrijner, Pauline et al. (2012) Good friends are hard to find? The social networks of people with mental illness 12 years after deinstitutionalisation. Journal of Mental Health, 21 (1). pp. 4-14. ISSN 0963-8237.

    Abstract

    Background While community care is now well established in England, the development and maintenance of social networks of people with long-term mental illness remains a major challenge to services. Aims To investigate the size of the social networks of people with long-term mental illness and the types of social support they receive in relation to their age and accommodation. Sample Thirty-nine men and 46 women (mean age: 61 years; range: 38–88). Forty nine (60%) were 65 years or under and 32 (40%) were over 65. Methods Participants were interviewed using the Social Network Guide. Comparisons were made using generalised linear modelling. Results Social networks (median 19; range 2–85) were generally larger than those reported in previous studies. Older residents (over 65 years) had closer ties than younger residents. Congregate types of community settings were relatively devoid of social supports. Conclusion Appropriate activities and social contexts are still needed to facilitate the social networks of people with mental illness, in particular, for those aged under 65 years.

    Bhwardwaj, A. and Forrester-Jones, R. and Murphy, G.H. (2010) Social inclusion of people with ID from different cultural backgrounds. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 23 (5). pp. 508-508. ISSN 1360-2322.

    Abstract

    Aim: To examine social inclusion among adults with ID and to determine the extent to which it differed depending on the de?nition and measurements used. Method: Social inclusion was measured using the following items in the interRAI ID instrument: (a) social relationships (presence of a con?dant, recent contact with family/friends), (b) participation in social activities of interest, and (c) involvement in structured activities (work, volunteer services, day programmes). Population-level data in Ontario’s institutions (1014 people assessed in 2005) and a sample of 327 community-dwelling adults (collected between 2005 and 2007) were used. Results: Social inclusion differed between persons living in institutional and community settings and within each group based on the conceptualization used. Further, there was great variability within and between groups based on the speci?c measures used within each conceptualization. For example, the rates differed greatly for the three measures of social relationships and the three measures of involvement in structured activities. Conclusion: The ?ndings replicated those of other studies showing greater social inclusion among persons with ID living in community settings. The results also showed that social inclusion differed based on how the concept was de?ned, and what measurements were used to operationalize that de?nition. Findings highlight the need for a common framework for understanding and measuring social inclusion

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Gore, N.J. and Melling, K. (2010) How many people with intellectual disability are employed in the UK? Tizard Learning Disability Review, 15 (1). pp. 56-57. ISSN 1359-5474.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2010) You don't look very well dear: consultants and decisions in cancer care for people with ID. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 23 (5). pp. 415-415. ISSN 1360-2322.

    Abstract

    Aim: Consultants are the ‘gate-keepers’ to palliative care treatment. Consultant decision-making for people with ID who have cancer was considered, with the aim of ascertaining the most appropriate ways of involving people with ID and their family/carers in these decisions. Method: Focus groups were held throughout Kent with specialist palliative care consultants. These included discussions on when and how a person with ID would be involved in decision-making about their treatment. Results: Palliative care consultants had concerns about involvement of patients with ID in decision-making. In particular, fear over capacity issues was common and appeared to determine levels of involvement. Consultant-made decisions were also limited by lack of knowledge about the person’s quality of life. Conclusion: Wider discussion regarding consultant decision-making in the care of people with ID who develop cancer is essential. At the present time, there is limited involvement by the person with ID, although the UK Mental Capacity Act stresses that all should be able to participate in decisions, even if time and support is required to do this. Further research is needed to establish how best to support consultants to include people with ID in decision-making.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Oliver, D. (2010) How can we improve end of life care for people with ID? Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 23. pp. 415. ISSN 1360-2322.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Oliver, D. (2010) Equal consideration? Comparing the experience of funerals between people with and without ID. Third International Conference of IASSID Europe. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 23. pp. 415. ISSN 1360-2322.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Duplock, L. and Oliver, D. (2009) Improving care for patients with ID. European Journal of Palliative Care, 16 (2). pp. 66-68. ISSN 13522779.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Barnes, A. (2008) On being a girlfriend not a patient: The quest for an acceptable identity amongst people diagnosed with a severe mental illness. Journal of Mental Health, 17 (2). pp. 153-172. ISSN 0963-8237.

    Abstract

    Background: Whilst the ways in which mental illness influences personhood have been documented, how social support can forge a more positive identity has not been explored. Aims: Using Goffman's theories of stigma the aim of this paper is to report on a qualitative study of how 17 people diagnosed with a severe mental illness received and provided social support in order to forge and manage a less stigmatizing identity than that of "being sick". Courtesy-stigma as an issue for those trying to live "ordinary" lives is highlighted. Method: Qualitative research methods were used including unstructured open-ended interviews. Results: Individuals reported that social support could be helpful in terms of developing a more "acceptable" identity, which enabled some degree of social integration into mainstream life. On the other hand, people who managed to "escape" from lives defined by their mental health status, sometimes found life on the outside stressful and rejecting. This led to some seeking refuge in the mental health community again. Conclusion: Social support plays a vital role in the construction of a more valuable identity than that of patient.(1) Declaration of interest: The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health sponsored the research.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Oliver, D. and Duplock, L. (2008) My training did not prepare me for this! Specialist palliative carers knowledge of intellectual disability. 13th World Congress IASSID. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52 (8-9). pp. 652-652. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Oliver, D. and Duplock, L. (2008) Why should they go to the hospice? Carer attitudes to palliative care services. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52 (8-9). pp. 652-652. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and McGill, P. and Gwillim, J. (2008) Transitions and people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52 (8-9). pp. 689-689. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Hastings, S. and Palmer, A. et al. (2008) Service user involvement: Does it leave people standing on the side-lines? 13th World Congress IASSID. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52 (8-9). pp. 702-702. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2008) Does social enterprise help social inclusion? Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52 (8-9 ). pp. 689-689. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Abstract

    Aim: Social inclusion is de?ned as having a broad social network and participating in community based activities including paid work. Employment provides independence, empowerment and choice, enabling increased self-esteem and status helping to overcome prejudice and stigma. Government policy in the UK also stresses the importance of the bene?ts of work aiming to end discrimination faced by disabled people. A UK social care organization commissioned the Tizard Centre to compare a social enterprise to day centre provision in relation to social networks from the view point of service users. Method: Semi-structured interviews were held with ?? individuals with intellectual disabilities, ?? of whom worked in the social enterprise, the rest attending day centres across ? areas of a county in South East England. In line with service user involvement, participants were supported to disseminate results. Results: Compared to individuals attending day centres, those working in the social enterprise scored signi?cantly higher on life experience domains, selfesteem and satisfaction levels and differences in knowledge of employment rights were found. However, no differences in social network size or density were recorded. Conclusions: Social enterprises are better training grounds for future employment compared to day centres but social inclusion is still lacking.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2007) Case Studies: Supporting teaching and learning using social policy research in teaching. Social Policy and Social Work (SWAP). pp. 13-14.

    Abstract

    This case study forms one of six submitted to SWAP to illustrate ways in which academics use social policy research in teaching. In this case study the lecturer uses teaching and learning processes which simulate research processes. She also uses assignments which involve elements of research processes and gives students first hand experience of research based consultancy.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Cambridge, P. and Carpenter, J. et al. (2006) The Social Networks of People with Intellectual Disability Living in the Community 12 Years after Resettlement from Long-Stay Hospitals. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 19 (4). pp. 285-295. ISSN 1360-2322.

    Abstract

    Background: The social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities presents a major challenge to services. As part of a 12-year follow up of people resettled from long-stay hospitals, the size of 213 individuals' social networks and the types of social support they received were investigated, as viewed by people with intellectual disabilities themselves. The types of support received in four different kinds of community accommodation were compared. Method: Individuals were interviewed and their social support networks mapped using a Social Network Guide developed for the study. Descriptive statistics were generated and comparisons made using generalized linear modelling. Results: The sample comprised 117 men (average age 51 years) and 96 women (average age 56 years). All but seven were White British, 92% were single and they had in general, mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The average network size was 22 members (range 3–51). The mean density was 0.5. A quarter of all network members were other service users with intellectual disabilities and a further 43% were staff. Only a third of the members were unrelated to learning disability services. In general, the main providers of both emotional and practical support were staff, although these relationships were less likely to be described as reciprocal. Other people with intellectual disabilities were the second most frequent providers of all types of support. People in small group homes, hostels and supported accommodation were significantly more likely to report close and companiable relationships than those in residential and nursing homes, but they also reported a greater proportion of critical behaviour. Conclusions: The social networks revealed in this study are considerably larger than those of previous studies which have relied on staff reports, but findings about the generally limited social integration of people with intellectual disabilities are similar. A clearer policy and practice focus on the desirability of a range of different social contexts from which to derive potentially supportive network members is required so that people do not remain segregated in one area of life.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Oliver, D. (2006) After they are gone: identity of people with intellectual disabilities once they have died. European Conference for the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 19 (3). pp. 276. ISSN 1360-2322.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2006) Reflections on a Young Offenders Institution: Communication - a need, want or right? International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 50 (2). pp. 218-231. ISSN 0306-624X.

    Abstract

    In this article, it is demonstrated that a dichotomy exists between wider societal movements to develop communication between individuals and among institutions and management practices within a young offenders institution. The principle aim of the article is to illustrate how young offenders are being systematically denied the opportunity to socially interact with others at an appropriate level. The significance of social exchange for these prisoners and how they achieve this is highlighted. The article concludes by suggesting some recommendations in relation to communication within young offenders institutions.

    Cambridge, P. and Carpenter, J. and Forrester-Jones, R. et al. (2005) The state of care management in learning disability and mental health services twelve years into community care. British Journal of Social Work, 37 (7). pp. 1039-1062. ISSN 0045-3102.

    Abstract

    This paper reports on the organization of care management from a longitudinal study of community care for people resettled from long-stay learning disability and psychiatric hospitals. The findings from a 12-year follow-up of care management arrangements in 12 learning disability and eight mental health study site services are described. The diversity of care management arrangements found at earlier points in the evaluation remained evident. Also, many of the former ‘care in the community’ service users were excluded from mainstream care management arrangements in their localities. The difficulty of developing person-centred arrangements in learning disability and the lack of integration of the Care Programme Approach and care management were evident. The findings and observations are placed in the wider policy and practice context, with suggestions for taking care management forward nationally and locally.

    Hallam, A. and Beecham, J. and Knapp, M. et al. (2005) Service use and costs of support twelve years after leaving hospital. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 19 (4). pp. 296-308. ISSN 1360-2322.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Jones, S. and Heason, S. et al. (2004) Supported employment: a route to social networks. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 17. pp. 199-208.

    Beecham, J.K. and Hallam, A. and Knapp, M.R.J. et al. (2004) Twelve years on: service use and costs for people with mental health problems who left psychiatric hospitals. Journal of Mental Health, 13 (4). pp. 363-377. ISSN 0963-8237.

    Abstract

    Background: Few studies have estimated the full costs of moving people from long-stay psychiatric hospitals to community residence. Fewer still have examined the long-term implications of this important component of mental health policy. Aims: To assess the full service and cost implications of community care for people who moved from long-stay psychiatric hospitals 12 years ago. To explore the associations between costs and people's characteristics, needs and outcomes. Method: Data were collected from 128 people in seven English localities that were part of the 1983 Care in the Community Initiative. For a sub-sample of 75 people, changes in resource use between 1 and 12 years after leaving hospital were assessed. Results: Most people live in staffed accommodation supported by a range of community-based services. Mean community care costs (555 per week) are lower than long-stay hospital residence or community costs 1 year later. Conclusions: High support homes, in-patient beds, and day care services are costly but important care components. The low utilization rate of general practitioners is concerning given residents' increasing age. There was no evidence to suggest the reduction in costs was a response to reductions in user needs. Declaration of interest: The Department of Health funded the research.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2004) What do people with learning disabilities think of funerals? Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 48 (4 & 5). pp. 436. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Beadle-Brown, J. and Mansell, J. and Forrester-Jones, R. (2004) England (Research Feature). Tizard Learning Disability Review, 9 (1). pp. 31-39. ISSN 1359-5474.

    Beadle-Brown, J. and Forrester-Jones, R. (2003) Social Impairment in the care in the community sample - changes over time and outcome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 24 (1). pp. 33-43. ISSN 0891-4222.

    Abstract

    This paper presents data from a longitudinal collaborative study of The Care in the Community Sample (Cambridge, Hayes, Knapp, Gould, & Fenyo, 1994; Cambridge and Knapp). The aim of the study was to investigate how social impairment changes are related to the move from institutional to community care using some preliminary analysis of the above data. A measure of social impairment using the Skills and Behavior Interview from the most recent follow-up of this cohort was found to be consistent with Wing’s definition of social impairment, when applied to the cohort 12 years after deinsitutionalization. This measure was then used to retrospectively identify social impairment in the same sample (of approximately 250 people) at baseline (in the institution), at 1 year and at 5 years in the community. Prevalence data pointed to high levels of social impairment in the sample (50.1%) in institutions but the decrease to 39.8% after 1 year in the community was not significant (although conversation and social mixing and initiation of conversation and social interaction did improve over time). Once in the community, social impairment in general did not change over time, although there was a significant decrease in conversation and social mixing, non-verbal communication and initiation of conversation and social interaction. These results are compared to other research findings and the implications and limitations of the study discussed.

    Cambridge, P. and Forrester-Jones, R. (2003) Using individualised communication for interviewing people with intellectual disability: a case study of user-centred research. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 28 (1). pp. 5-23.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2003) Students' perceptions of teaching: the research is stil alive and well. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 28 (1). pp. 59-69. ISSN 0206-2938.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2003) Community Care - the experience of people with mental health problems. Sociology Review, 13 (2). pp. 25-27. ISSN 0959-8499.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Jones, S. (2003) Supported employment: a route to social networks. Multidisciplinary Learning Disability Research Network, 4 (2).

    Abstract

    Background Evidence suggests that social networks mediate social functioning, self-esteem, mental health and quality of life. This paper presents findings concerning changes in the social lives, skills, behaviour and life experiences of a group of people with intellectual disabilities (n = 18), who gained support from an employment agency to find paid work. Method The composition and quality of individuals' social networks were mapped using a Social Network Guide. Changes in skills, behaviour and life experiences were assessed using standardized measures. Results The social network size of participants increased over time, with most social contacts being drawn from community contexts. This linked to improvements in life experiences, particularly in relation to leisure activities. Some improvements in adaptive behaviour were also found over time but no significant relationship between social network size and changes in adaptive behaviour were evident. Conclusions Whilst work will not guarantee social relationships, it can help maintain network size and provides a good opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to meet others who are not associated with intellectual disability services.

    Cambridge, P. and Carpenter, J. and Beecham, J. et al. (2003) Twelve years on: outcomes and costs of deinstitutionalisation for people with mental health problems. Mental health research review, 9. pp. 10-12. ISSN 1353-2650.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Carpenter, J. and Tate, A. et al. (2002) The quality of life of people 12 years after resettlement from long-stay hospitals: users' views on their living environment, daily activities and future aspirations. Disability and Society, 17 (7). pp. 741-758. ISSN 0968-7599.

    Abstract

    We report service users' views on three important domains of their quality of life in the community 12 years after resettlement for long-stay hospitals. These concerned their living environments, daily activities and future aspirations. We asked a series of open questions as part of a structured interview with service users with learning disabilities (n = 196) and mental health problems (n = 102). The study is the longest reported follow-up of deinstitutionalisation in the UK and one of the longest anywhere in the world. The most frequently self-reported positive aspects of users' quality of life were the living environment, the social milieu and independence. The most frequently mentioned problems occurred within the social milieu and included bullying, the social regime, the physical aspects of the accommodation, and the personal feelings of loneliness and boredom. The most preferred activities were outings, education and work, relaxation and leisure. The most disliked activities were household chores and having nothing to do. About half those interviewed did not or could not answer a question about their future; those who did mentioned a wish for greater independence, more outings and personal and sexual relationships. We remark on some implications for services and for staff training.

    Cambridge, P. and Carpenter, J. and Beecham, J.K. et al. (2002) Twelve years on: the long-term outcomes and costs of deinstitutionalisation and community care for people with learning disabilities. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 7 (3). pp. 34-42. ISSN 1359-5474.

    Abstract

    In the mid-1980s the Department of Health sponsored a programme of demonstration projects to establish models of community care for long-stay patients living in institutions (Renshaw et al, 1988). This was known as the Care in the Community programme. Between 1986 and 1987 19 projects were established for elderly people with learning disabilities and people with severe and enduring mental health problems. An evaluation of these community services, their outcomes and costs was undertaken by the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the University of Kent at Canterbury (Knapp et al, 1992). Service users were assessed and their opinions ascertained before leaving hospital. Over 400 users who moved during the study period were followed up nine months later in the community, and outcomes and costs were compared. Five years later, two hundred and sixteen people with learning disabilities were followed up again in a study funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (Cambridge et al, 1994). Here we report the 12-year follow-up of people with learning disabilities. The data were collected during 1998 and 1999. These combined studies represent the largest longitudinal study of deinstitutionalisation in learning disability and mental health in the UK and are also unusual in the extent to which they sought the views of service users themselves. There are few comparable studies anywhere else in the world.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2001) Friendships and Social Integration through leisure. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 6 (4). pp. 28-32. ISSN 1359-5474.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2000) Mapping social lives: social networks and social support of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 44. pp. 285-285. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Beadle-Brown, J. and Forrester-Jones, R. (2000) Effect of deinstitutionalization on social impairment in people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 44. pp. 056 203 -203. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Forrester-Jones, R. and Di Terlizzi, M. (2000) Supported employment and support networks of people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 44. pp. 285-285. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Cambridge, P. and Carpenter, J. and Knapp, M. et al. (2000) Twelve Years on: the outcomes and costs of community care following deinstitutionalization for people with intellectual disabilities in England. 11th World Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 44 (3). pp. 203. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Cambridge, P. and Forrester-Jones, R. (2000) Communicating for research: Using an individualized approach within total communication for interviewing people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 44 (3-4). pp. 229-230. ISSN 0964-2633.

    Abstract

    Abstract no. 162

Book Sections
Reviews

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2011) Review of Learning Disability: a life cycle approach. Review of: Learning Disability: a life cycle approach by Grant, Gordon and Ramcharan, Paul and Flynn, Margaret and Richardson, Malcolm. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 16 (1). pp. 38-39. ISSN 1359-5474.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2007) Review of Loss and Learning Disability. Review of: Loss of Learning Disability by Blackman, Noelle. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 12 (2). pp. 45-46. ISSN 1359-5474.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2006) Learning Disability - a social approach. Review of: Learning Disability - a social approach by Race, David. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 11 (1). pp. 47-48. ISSN 1359-5474.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2005) Review of Making Valuing People Work. Review of: Making Valuing People Work. Strategies for change in services for people with learning disabilities by Fyson, Rachel and Ward, Linda. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 18 (2). pp. 197-198. ISSN 1360-2322.

    Abstract

    This report is both timely and necessary as a complement to The White Paper: Valuing People (DH 2001). Whilst Valuing People was the first White Paper in 30 years to offer radical proposals for the development of better services for people with learning disabilities, practical it was not! Visionary statements by central government are fine, but there has been little in the way of advice on how to implement the White Paper for local authorities, local health trusts and voluntary and independent sector service providers. ‘Making Valuing People Work’ addresses some of the challenges facing services trying to put into practice the core principles of Valuing People, namely rights, independence, choice and inclusion. This report is therefore more about ‘doing’ than ‘saying’ what ‘should’ be done. Based on findings from the Strategies for Change project undertaken by the Norah Fry Research Centre, Fyson and Ward's work uses a grounded theory approach to convey key issues facing commissioners and providers of services. Qualitative methodologies, including ‘expert seminars’ and tape-recorded interviews provide data on the views, needs, ambitions and dreams of users, carers and professionals. Appendix B provides a rich and comprehensive account rarely seen in similar reports of these more participant-inclusive research methods.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2002) Relationships in the lives of people with learning difficulties - The Elfrida Lectures 1997/1998. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 7 (1). pp. 25-27. ISSN 1359-5474.

    Forrester-Jones, R. (2001) Review of Residential versus Communtiy Care: the role of institutions in Welfare Provision. Review of: Residential versus Communtiy Care: the role of institutions in Welfare Provision by Jack, Raymond. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 6 (3). pp. 42-43. ISSN 1359-5474.

Conference Items
Research Reports
Monographs
Total publications in KAR: 83 [See all in KAR]
Information obtained from the Kent Academic Repository. The University of Kent official repository of academic activity.
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Current and recent research projects Costs and benefits of social care support for ex-offenders with Learning Disabilities, NIHR School for Social Care Research, with Prof. Murphy, N. Gore, Prof. Beecham April 2012-2013, £320,8177

Dance Café: improving the physical and social wellbeing of people with dementia, Patient and Public Involvement Grant, submitted, Dec 2011-2012, £206

Evaluation of care for people with chronic fatigue syndrome at Burrswood Hospital, Guild of Health, with D. Oliver  2011-13, £25,000.

Dance Cafe:improving the physical & social well-being of people with dementia, KentHealth, for workshops to develop a larger bid to RfPB 2011-2012, £3,000

Mental Health & Challenging Behaviour: people with learning disabilities, staff training for Redbridge Community Housing Ltd, 2010, £900

Palliative care in the UK, Portugal & Africa: a comparative study, Astor Foundation with D. Oliver, 2010-15 £1,500

Employment for people with ID & complex needs, Challenging Behaviour Foundation with N. Gore, 2010-2012  £44,664

Victims of rape, Kent Police, 2008-09, £12, 448

Palliative Care, Wisdom Hospice, 2008-09, £750

Pallitative care, Kent Institute of Medical Science, UniKent, 2008, £1,000

Supported Employment & PWLD, UniKent, with N. Gore (65%) 2008-09, £1,000

Development of a service experience survey utlising user-defined criteria, Turning Point, with A. Palmer, S.Hewson, & A.Klein, CHSS (60%), 2008-09, £30,751

Research dissemination project, Inclusivity Fund, UELT, UniKent 2008, £2,000

Social Inclusion/supported employment & PWLD, MCCH Charity, (S49 DoH), 2007-08, £25,620

Transitions and PWLD, Kent County Council, with P. McGill, 2007-08, £42,917

Disability Equality Scheme (DES):views of disabled people, Kent County Council, 2006-07, £24,800

Research teaching dissemination, Inclusivity Fund, UELT, UniKent, 2006, £1,170

Review of Enhanced Community Residential Services for PWLD, North East Wales NHS Trust, with M. Hurman, 2005, £2,450

What people with mental health issues think of a spirituality support group, UniKent, with Rev D. Stedman, 2004-05, £500

Consultancy:Development of Learning Disabilities Survey in collaboration with MORI, Kent County Council, 2004, £5,000

*East Kent Mental Health Team, St Martins Hospital, Canterbury, Learning Disability and Mental Health Staff Training, 2004, £1,400

Intellectual Disability Research Network (IDRESNET), FP5: including Universities in Greece, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Britain with J. Mansell, J. Beadle-Brown, P. Cambridge.  2003-2004, 170094 Euros, £145,320.82

Experiences of students with disabilities living on a University Campus, UniKent,2003-2004, £858

Communication and people with learning disabilities, Staff Training for Avenues Trust Charity, 2003,  £2,800

People with Learning Disabilities and mental health problems, Staff Training for The Grove Centre, Folkstone Social Services, 2003, £700

Funerals: understanding, inclusion and choice of people with learning disabilities, UniKent, 2002-2003, £837

Evaluation of Treatment and Assessment Centre, Hounslow and Spelthorne Community and Mental Health NHS Trust, with J. Mansell  2002, £10,000

Supported employment and PWLD, Bridge Employment, Sheffield, European Social Fund, with M. Di'Terlizzi  2001- 2002, £17,020

Pavillion Short Course – workshop: Bridging the Gap for People with Learning Disabilties, with  Cambridge, P. 2001, £450

Age Concern: The needs of older people with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties in the Medway area, with Hatdzidimitriadou, E., 2001, £7,000

Evaluation of Assessment and Treatment Centre,  Worthing Priority Care, with J. Mansell, 2001, £4,900Southend on Sea Borough Council Attitudes & Values in Southend Learning Disability Services, with J. Beadle-Brown, 2000, £14k

Student Perceptions of a Sociology Department, UWales, Bangor,1997-1998, £500

The Social Networks of Overseas students at UWBangor, EHE, 1996-1997, £3,000

 

 

 

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Rachel is consultant to national health and social service providers. She trains front line and managerial learning disability and mental health staff and has completed evaluations of services

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Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7LR

Telephone: +44(0)1227 827373 or contact us

Last Updated: 07/11/2012