Summary

Improvements were observed in group member’s ability to regulate their emotions as indicated by their pre and post DERS scores. Reductions were also noted in patient’s depression, anxiety and stress levels as indicated by their scores on the DAS.

Anecdotally, group members have found the group to be “an invaluable tool to wellness” and “coping with everyday problems”. One group member said “I have come out of the group more confident and with the ability to cope better with my emotions”. Another service user said “it has made a more complete person of me”.

In 2016 a poster showcasing the group was awarded Best Poster Prize at the British Psychological Society, Faculty of Psychologists Working with Older People Annual Conference.

It is expected that the DAS and DERS measures will continue to be used for routine data collection in 2017.