Scenario 7

You work for a Manfred Harbour mental health service that provides acute and community care. You heard Julia Gillard’s (Chair of Beyond Blue, and former prime minister) call this week on the news, that much more needs to be done for people being discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt. It is really hard getting a timely appointment for follow up (the waiting list with your service is 6-12 weeks). Like Julia, you are aware that the first 3 months following a suicide attempt is the most likely time people will attempt suicide again.  You wonder about the role of virtual group support. 

A group proposal like an essay, includes narrative sections, it also includes lists and tables where appropriate. Use headings and subheadings throughout your proposal.

1. Start with an introduction that provides a background to this particular proposal. Include the rationale and need for the proposed group.  Identify the specific population and relevant demographics. What are the needs of this specific population (particularly in your target location/recruitment area) that your group proposal will address?

2. Explain the theory, model/s, and evidence-based strategies/interventions you will use to frame your proposal and your group plan.   

3. Outline the plan (most items in this section can be presented in point form with supporting narrative where necessary). Use a table format for outline of topics, and detailed plan for session 1

• purpose/focus of the group.

• goals and objectives of this group proposal? (A well-written proposal always has a clearly defined goal and SMART objectives to attain the desired goal).

• agency and its strategic plan? Where will the group meet? What resources are required to support the proposed activities? What costs are involved? Identify accessibility issues for this population.

• group composition. How many members will be in the group? How will you recruit them? What screening and selection procedures will be used? What is your rationale for using these particular procedures? What is the intended cultural mix (age, sex, education, sexual orientation, ethnicity, SES, etc.) of the group? What are the risks and benefits of the mix for forming the group? Is the group composed of voluntary or involuntary members? If it is a mandatory group, what special considerations must you address? Will new people be allowed to join the group once it has started (open or closed)?

• group time frame. How often will it meet? How long will each session last?

• group type and structure. What type of group are you intending to form (task, mutual aid, psychoeducational, social action)? How will the members be prepared for the group experience? What ground rules will you establish? Be specific. What structure will your group have? What techniques will be used? Why are these techniques appropriate? In what ways can you employ your techniques in a flexible manner to meet the needs of culturally diverse client populations?

• group leadership or facilitation style and approach. How will you handle the fact that people may be taking some risks by participating in the group? What will you do to safeguard members from unnecessary risks? Will you take any special precautions with participants who are minors? 

• outline the topics to be explored in this group?  Provide a detailed plan for session 1.

• how will you assess the effectiveness or outcomes of the group? What follow-up procedures are planned? 

5. Finish with a conclusion and reference list.