Mental Health and Social Work

Marion Ulas is a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Edinburgh, specialising in mental health. Her recent research has focused on the operation of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act. Anne Connor is an independent consultant and researcher. She was a health service manager with Lothian Health Board, and has been a senior researcher in the Scottish Office.

• 1. Introduction and Overview, Anne Connor, independent consultant and Marion Ulas, University of Edinburgh. 2. Policy in to Practice: Creative Tension or Deadlock? 3. Community-Based Mental Health Services, Anne Connor. 4. Policy and Management of Social Work Services: The Mental Welfare Commission in the Context of Inspection, Christine E. McGregor, Alzheimer Scotland - Action on Dementia. 5. Research Issues in Mental Health Social Work, Marion Ulas. 6. Social Workers as Mental Health Officers: Different Hats, Different Roles? Fiona Myers, University of Edinburgh. 7. Ethnicity and Mental Health, Suman Fernando, The Tizard Centre. 8. Depression in Old Age, Maureen O'Neill, Age Concern Scotland. 9. Maternal Depression in Child and Family Care: The Design, Development and Use of an Instrument for Research and Practice, Michael Sheppard, University of Plymouth. 10. Evaluation of Social Work Services for People with Mental Health Problems, Allyson McCollam, Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health Services and Julia White, freelance research consultant. 11. Service Users' Perspectives on Social Work Activities for People Experiencing Mental Health Problems, Julia White and Allyson McCollam. 12. Afterword, Jim Kiddie, Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

The exploration of the research issues in mental health social work, chapter five, is illuminating in its demonstration of how much more work needs to be done. The dilemma of role conflict is ably demonstrated in the discussion regarding the role of social worker as mental health officer. The conflict between being an advocate for the individual and guardian of public safety is one that is very tangible for many workers within the mental health and social care field. Fernando's chapter, seven, on ethnicity and mental health offers the most general focus of the issues explored. This is especially true in light of the current discussions surrounding the Stephen Lawrence case and institutional racism. An overview of studies relating to ethnicity and mental illness offers a useful introduction to many issues, as does a commentary on the ethnocentric nature of counselling and psychotherapy.