Research paper by ‘Think Ahead’ student is accepted by The British Journal of Social Work

Posted on 7 February 2020

Mike Bonnet has had his first paper published by a peer reviewed journal.

The research paper, co-authored with Dr Nicola Moran, is the first study to be accepted by The British Journal of Social Work from a ‘Think Ahead’ participant at the University. The paper, titled: ‘Why Do Approved Mental Health Professionals Think Detentions under the Mental Health Act Are Rising and What Do They Think Should Be Done about It?’ (Bonnet and Moran, 2020) explores the views surrounding the significant rise of detention under the 1983 Mental Health Act, and potential solutions.

Mike was a ‘Think Ahead’ participant in the 2016 cohort, and undertook our MA in Social Work Practice. He completed his MA in August 2018 and graduated in January 2019. This is a fantastic achievement for Mike and Nicola (his academic supervisor), and the Department is thrilled.

Mike said, “The rise in the number of detentions made under the Mental Health Act is a concerning trend that has already brought about an Independent Review of the law. In researching this topic I was grateful for the opportunity to speak to front-line mental health professionals to better understand the causes and possible solutions to this problem as they see it. I hope that the findings of this study can help to contribute to a growing evidence base and ensure that any future changes to the legislation take into consideration the expertise and experience of those working in mental health services.”

There are a number of other papers under consideration by various journals from participants from the 2016 cohort who undertook Nicola’s Practice Research module. She will shortly begin working with those from the 2017 cohort who are seeking to publish their research papers.

The paper has now been published by the British Journal of Social Work and is available to read online.

References

Bonnet, M. and Moran, N. (In press) Why do Approved Mental Health Professionals think detentions under the Mental Health Act are rising and what do they think should be done about it? British Journal of Social Work.