An appreciative inquiry into the Zululand mental health community psychology programme

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Date
2007
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Abstract
Zululand, the north eastern area of Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa is characterized by its diversity in development. This resulted from historical imbalances that were enforced by the Apartheid system and so, typifying South Africa with its unlevelled development. With large parts of the region being underdeveloped, the Zululand Mental Health Community Psychology Programme (ZMHCPP) was formally established in 1994 in response to the high demands for local community psychological services in the area. For the programme to stay updated and effective, constant evaluation is necessary. This will allow the programme to build upon its strengths as well as respond to short comings and new emerging needs. This qualitative study investigated the ZMHCPP from an appreciative perspective. It records valuable aspects of the ZMHCPP and identifies challenges and opportunities for improvement. Findings in this study were guided by relevant stakeholders 7 first hand experiences of the ZMHCPP. Participants' experiences of the ZMHCPP were generally positive. The programme was mainly appreciated for the essential services it provides to the community and the fact that it also indirectly contributes to the profession of Community Psychology by creating opportunities for intern training and research. While the ZMHCPP was appreciated for providing psychological services at affordable rates, the need for funding to secure adequate resources and to sustain itself was expressed. This dilemma highlighted the greatest challenge for the programme. It is hoped that this research project will encourage government and potential donors / sponsors to further realise the value of the programme and provide financial support.
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A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS (COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY) at the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, 2007.
Keywords
Psychological services -- South Africa, Mental Health -- Community pychology Programme
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