Lay summary
Employing social activities is a person-centred, values-based psychosocial approach to support people with poor mental health and wellbeing, arising from social determinants. It links people to social activities and networks, enabling self-efficacy and social inclusion, rather than relying on medication first-line. Conceptually this approach maps with Whānau Ora Māori health models, however little is known on the acceptability, desirability and, or the effects on health and wellbeing outcomes.
We will complete a literature review of the Aotearoa experience of using social activities as a therapeutic approach, including searching the grey literature and contacting relevant health organisations that may have published reports in this area.
The findings will enable us to establish a theoretical framework of current organisations employing social activities as a therapeutic approach, and the reported effectiveness. This provides the basis for further research to establish wider desirability for this therapeutic approach and the factors needed for implementation and sustainability.