Mental distress, recovery, resilience and wellbeing

Assessment Guidelines

The assignment for this module will involve you composing a 3,000 word (or equivalent) e-portfolio.

The assignment guidance listed here is in addition to bespoke tutorials and support from the module leader.

The assignment

Your assignment is to build an e-portfolio of evidence (3000 words or equivalent) that addresses a number of topics from the module.  The portfolio will be made up of the following parts, including an introduction and conclusion/critical reflection.  I have indicated a broad indication of the word count for each part.

  1. Title page (not included in the word count)
  2. Contents page (not included in the word count)
  3. Introduction (375 words)
    1. In your introduction I would like you to consider what the term mental health means, including reference to some of the key debates/themes.
  4. Topics (750 words each – or equivalent)
    1. Grounded in your understanding of the ways in which the impact of Covid-19 can be experienced by children, or young people or families, design a resource that can signpost them to areas of support for mental distress during the pandemic.
    2. With regard to children and young people, how and in what ways can any two of the following contribute to a more holistic understanding of mental distress
      1. Personal recovery
      2. Resilience
  • Wellbeing
  1. With explicit reference to children, young people and families, what are local services (I am referring to both statutory and non-statutory services here) doing to address stigma and discrimination. You may also draw upon local/national policy here too
  1. Conclusion and critical reflection (375 words)
    1. Bring your assignment to a close by reflecting upon the key aspects of your learning during the module, and how this learning can contribute to your own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of others.

 

Important Notes:

The e-portfolio is an academic piece of work and will fully conform to the Harvard referencing system in its entirety

The e-portfolio will be an individual piece of work.

Your work will demonstrate relevant reading and research, with an integrated discussion/application of theory and research.

The introduction and conclusion/critical reflection are to be written pieces of work, and conform to the usual academic standards within the Division.

The composition and format of the three topic areas are at the individual students’ discretion.  Whilst it is perfectly fine to produce written work to existing academic standards across all aspects of the portfolio, it is also permissible to engage alternative formats for the three topic areas (that broadly equate to a 750 word seen essay).  For example:

  • Powerpoint presentation (10 mins)
  • Poem or song with narrative (artefacts plus 1xA4 narrative)
  • Photographs with narrative (artefacts plus 1xA4 narrative)
  • Poster with narrative (1x A3/A4 and 1xA4 respectively)
  • Zoom (oral) recording (15mins)

The above is not exhaustive.  Whatever platform/medium is adopted however, work will necessarily be rigorous, robust, and focused upon the relevant academic detail.

 

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this module are stipulated in the module handbook and I repeat them here for your convenience.  It is important that your work gives attention to these in your submission.

01 –

a) Demonstrate a critical understanding of key theoretical approaches, relevant legislation and policy that underpin effective work with those experiencing distress and their supporters;

b) understand the contribution of personal recovery, resilience and wellbeing to mental distress;

c) analyse the contribution of economic, political, cultural and issues to mental distress and the impact of stigma and discrimination.

02 – Assess social situations, taking into account a variety of factors (including the views of users, theoretical concepts, research evidence, legislation and organisational policies and procedures)

03 – Demonstrate an appreciation of the application of theory/research to practice in context of mental distress and the provision of services involving children, young people and families.