Friday, March 30, 2012: 1:25 PM-2:45 PM
Pacific I (San Francisco Marriott Marquis)
Presentation Format:
Innovative/Promising Practice Program Report
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize study design and the novel curriculum piloted and evaluated in this research project
- Describe changes experienced by study participants over the course of the 12-week period of attending Making Connections Support groups
- Describe the elements of this innovative program that study participants found most relevant, helpful and applicable to their complex needs
Findings from the Building Bridges study highlighted the need for integrated low-barrier support for women with experiences of abuse and substance use and/or mental ill health. Women consistently requested services that address these intersecting issues at the same time. In response to this recommendation, WARP developed, piloted and evaluated two 12-week psychosocial interventions (Making Connections curriculum) in 7 communities in B.C. demonstrating the importance and benefits of providing integrated, low-barrier group support to this underserved and marginalized population of women.