ABSTRACT
The goal of this chapter is to describe where design research meets mental health, and we hope it will encourage further discussion and knowledge exchange across design, mental health and research contexts. In May 2013, the 66th World Health Assembly adopted the World Health Organisation’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan, recognising the essential role of mental health in achieving health for all people, calling for more effective leadership and governance for mental health, and calling for better integrated mental health and social care services in community-based settings. The range of mental health conditions people live with is extensive, and in the UK it is typically organised around a three-tier system. Individuals presented to their local general medical practice, are referred for specialist assessment for treatment, and may access social and third sector services alongside or after treatment. The concept of collaboration and ‘working with’, is increasingly evident within UK health services.
