Group work allows us to acknowledge different views and perspectives without forcing resolution, to notice power dynamics and emotions, and to work in ways that promote honest discussions. It gives us nuanced and useful insights as well as clear and high-impact actions. Group work helps us to listen carefully to what is said, what is unsaid, and what matters.
Our approach to group work
At Centre for Mental Health, we approach group work not just as a high quality, cost-effective research method, but as a practice of inquiry, collaboration, and transformation. We tailor our approach to local contexts and design processes that support sustainable change.
We believe that systems already hold the knowledge they need. Our role is to help bring that knowledge to the surface, connect it across silos, and create the conditions for thoughtful, relational, and impactful work.
What we offer
We are experienced facilitators, systems thinkers, and researchers who understand the complexity of mental health services and the communities they serve.
We offer a wide range of group-based activities designed to support organisations, teams, and communities in understanding and improving their work. These include:
- Theory of change development workshops that connect lived experience with strategic planning, helping groups articulate their purpose and identify pathways to impact
- Needs and assets analysis using participatory approaches to uncover what matters most to people and communities
- Service redesign sessions that bring together stakeholders and people with lived experience to co-create more inclusive, responsive, and effective systems
- Team building and reflective practice groups that strengthen collaboration, trust, and purpose within and across teams
- Learning workshops that build shared understanding, surface diverse perspectives, and build capacity for reflective practice – an important element of our evaluation work.
We use a variety of group formats, including focus groups, Open Space Technology, World Café, action learning sets, community conversations, and reflective dialogues to explore complexity and generate insight. These formats help participants:
- Understand people’s lived experiences, needs, and strengths
- Map systems, services, and processes from multiple vantage points
- Identify gaps, tensions, and opportunities for change
- Build a shared language and collective ownership of solutions.
Find out more
Get in touch to talk about how we can bring our passion and expertise to the benefit of your communities, services, organisations and systems.
For a discussion regarding your requirements, get in touch with Jenny Banks at jenny.banks@centreformentalhealth.org.uk
“Group work brings people together across roles and silos, enabling shared understanding and collective problem-solving. Several good minds will always come up with something better than one brilliant mind. And when systems are under pressure, it offers a way to do more with less, not by cutting corners, but by deepening connection.”
– David Woodhead, Associate Director of Research and group work facilitator
