PIElink members’
MayDay Spring Special newsletter
There has been a lot of development on the PIEs project since last we last produced a newsletter, especially around development of the self-assessment module, the Pizazz; and now the on-line version, the PIE Abacus.
It’s also been many months – far too long anyway – since we last had a ‘pick of the crop’ of new material for PIElink members.
So we’ve finally had to call Robin Johnson, the PIELink’s founder and erstwhile editor, out of his self-imposed (semi-) retirement, to offer up a Spring Special, another bumper selection.
But first, the news:
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News
Pizazz release survey
Since publication in June 2018, the PIEs self-assessment ('Pizazz" ) summary sheets have been downloaded 400+ times [HERE]. The Pizazz Handbook , “Useful questions”, less often, however, at 270+ [HERE].
Anecdotal reports suggest that both are in use in many areas, but we have no more systematic feedback. So watch out now for a survey, after Easter, in which we will be consulting PIELink members on how it works for you.
We will also be asking what more or what else you would like to see, whether in the Handbook, or other guidance?
The PIE Abacus
Meanwhile the PIE Abacus development team have been busy absorbing the lessons of the first wave of pilots of the PIE Abacus software, which began early 2019 (For an up-date: HERE).
We are now looking to recruit for the second wave, starting in May 2019. It's entirely free to try; and the only requirement of 'piloteers' is that you give us some feedback.
To find out more just go to the PIE Abacus landing page (HERE) where you will now find a (4 minute) intro video.
PIE consultants’ directory
We now have a PIE trainers’ and consultants’ directory (HERE) This is a simple listing, still somewhat embryonic, of independent consultants and trainers who can offer their services to assist services in developing as PIEs.
If you are looking for such in-put, it's worth trawling the names here. If you can provide such training or on-going support, we would be keen to hear from you, and publish (brief) details of your availability. If interested in being listed, contact us at editor[@}pielink[.]net
Local forums and webinars
PIElink registered membership is now reaching the 1,500 mark, with members spread across the whole of the UK and Ireland, and growing in the US and Canada, and Australia and New Zealand.
Perhaps now it is time to attempt again to set up more local forums and topic webinars – an early ambition that did not take off, a years or two ago.
Suggested local groups include
- The US and Canada
- Australia and New Zealand
- Scotland, Wales and Southern Ireland
- UK regions, especially London, the North East and South West
Possible topic webinar topics include
- Research and evidence
- Commissioning
- PIEs in the NHS
- “Enhanced PIEs”
- women’s services
- youth services
- drug and/or alcohol services
- PIEs in public spaces
So the survey after Easter will be seeking members' views on what groups webinars and forums you might like to see, and to take part in.
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The Editor's selection
Those 'pick of the crop' items, as promised: and an eclectic mix as always, Robin’s selection is grouped into three main areas:
NB: This wide selection amply illustrates the range of thinking that lies behind, and goes into, the PIEs concept. But it also shows the need for busy professionals to be quite canny, and feel entirely free to dip into only those areas that are relevant to you.
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Practice
Nudge psychology, using colour, and the Psychologically Informed Environment HERE
We are often asked about choosing suitable colours, for example for a residential service. This recording from a BBC radio programme tells a story of the use of colour. A built environment, like body language, can convey a wide variety of subtle cues, and there are perhaps other factors at play here?
Elastic tolerance and evidence generating practice HERE
In this live recorded audio post, from a visit to Duneddin Canmore in Leith, Edinburgh, the sound quality is rather poor; but the quality of the work makes it worth listening; a very nice example of looking at the data - and then talking to the people.
"I'm trained for that': a Housing Options worker's Friday HERE
An ironic comment on homelessness assessments, this recording of a talk on the reality of the Homelessness Reduction Act echoes the comments below on the recognition of complex needs ( see also 'Beyond binary', later in this selection).
The Low Arousal approach: a practitioners’ guide HERE
A very useful guide to an approach developed originally for de-escalation work with people on the autistic spectrum; the same techniques might be worth having in mind in any encounter where triggers can be missed, and tensions can rise.
Visual methods and home-making HERE
An inventive, highly engaging and fully person-centred approach to seeing how to support an individual in making a tenancy a home, in their own particular way. A picture telling a thousand words......
Digby the diffuser HERE
Lest there still be some that believe that to be a psychologically informed environment there must be a psychologist who 'does the informing', here is a marvellous use of the psychology of stress reduction - and very low cost.
A toolkit of cities for ending homelessness HERE
This paper by FEANTSA, the European homelessness agency, identifies a range of practical ways that cities can play a constructive role.
Weaving the tapestry of local cultures to address rural youth homelessness HERE
By contrast, this recording (a golden oldie, first published here 5 years ago) suggests that rural areas present quite different opportunities for collaboration to develop 'a PIE of pathways'.
Architectural design and the needs of vulnerable people HERE
The last in our selection on practice looks at the practice of design, with a plea for architecture training NOT to continue to repeat the emo/neuro-typical assumptions cited here.
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Insights
Safe when alone: understanding avoidant personality disorder HERE
Over the past yen years, mental health services have got better at recognising some types of personality disorder, such as the borderline( BPD). But those who do not seek their help, such as the 'avoidant' PD, are still largely under the radar. This study helps redress that a little.
Autism and homelessness HERE
A number of reports recently have highlighted the levels of un-recognised autistic spectrum difficulties found in homelessness and other complex needs areas (see also: the Low Arousal Approach paper in this selection). But for sheer vividness, nothing beats hearing someone like Liza Dresner, talking about the lived experience of autistic sensitivities.
Traumatic Brain Injury: from Deficit to Recovery HERE
There is growing awareness of a high prevalence of acquired/traumatic brain injury in the homelessness population. This paper is more technical than many of those we highlight here, but the message from neuroscience is that recovery from TBI/ABI is quite possible; and enhanced in a supportive environment.
Trauma as cognitive training for control HERE
By way of contrast, some neuroscience studies do suggest that moderate trauma may even have some beneficial effect, in stimulating learning. This apparent paradox might suggest the complexity of complex needs; and further reasons to build strengths, and not just focus on deficits.
Beyond binary: domestic violence and complex needs HERE
A further plea for the recognition of complexity, a study of assessments for eligibility for housing on the grounds of escaping domestic violence suggests that assessors frequently have a rather simplistic and black-and-white view of victims, and so may miss important cues to suggest further support needs.
Jealousy, anxiety and domestic abusers HERE
Sympathy for the devil? If we are to understand and accept the complex relationships and emotions involved in domestic abuse, how far is it helpful to understand the abuser?
Attachment, stress, and the psychologically informed social environment: biology, psychology and neuroscience in homelessness work: HERE
In this pre-publication draft, the PIElink's editor, Robin Johnson, explores the neuroscience behind attachment theory, and unwraps the human sensitivity to environment cues that make a psychologically informed environment so effective.
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Policy
Economic theories relevant to public service provision: a practical guide: HERE
Behind all forms of funding of services, and all manner of accountability to those funders, there lie theories on public services management, and how to achieve results. This paper on economic theory as applied to public policy identifies and analyses the commonest current theories that services must be able to engage with.
Values, interests and power HERE
For an alternative perspective, this paper on the politics of the policies that underlie service provision offers a very different view on what really motivates staff.
Exploring the New World of 'complexity-informed commissioning': HERE
The follow up to 'A Whole New World', this new paper from Collaborate develops the vision of an emerging approach, and illustrates it with cameos and case studies of practice. Stressing relationships, empathy, action learning and whole systems thinking, 'complexity-friendly commissioning' maps readily onto the PIE framework, and vice versa.
Kindness, emotions and human relationships; the blind spot in public policy HERE
This report by Carnegie Trust fellow Julia Unwin argues that 'kindness is disruptive'. In a wide-ranging study of public policy, she argues that kindness has become a blind spot in policy making; yet achieving behaviour change requires placing emotional intelligence back at the core of public service. This will need, she suggests, a new kind of risk-taking, bi-lingual' contract culture, recognising multiple drivers and motivations, for staff and beneficiaries alike.
Causes of homelessness and rough sleeping; a feasibility study to develop future preventive strategies HERE
The UK government proposes to develop a model of the origins of homelessness, by which to assess the likely impact of future policy. (Meanwhile, Rome still burns...)
Three theories of homelessness HERE
By contrast, in this short video presentation by the editor, Robin Johnson explores what he sees as the three principal theories of the origins of homelessness, and draws out the implications of each for the work of homelessness services - using chopsticks.......
Now to be bold and brave HERE
Finally, another short piece from Psychologists for Social Change argues that 'bold and brave' solutions to homelessness must start with tackling the obvious - economic failure and inequality.
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And now....
So watch out for the survey, a chance to give your views on what you want now from this site, and this on-line community.
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