Premium
Employment, social inclusion and mental health
Author(s) -
Evans J.,
Repper J.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1365-2850
pISSN - 1351-0126
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2850.2000.00260.x
Subject(s) - mental health , inclusion (mineral) , legislature , work (physics) , unemployment , public relations , quality (philosophy) , psychology , medicine , psychiatry , political science , economic growth , social psychology , economics , mechanical engineering , law , engineering , philosophy , epistemology
Whereas un employment is clearly linked to mental health problems, employment can improve quality of life, mental health, social networks and social inclusion. Yet in the UK only 15% of people with serious mental health problems are employed – despite an overwhelming consensus from surveys, case studies and personal accounts that users want to work. This paper aims to challenge common misconceptions surrounding employment, work and mental health problems. Drawing on a range of research evidence and legislative guidance it discusses significant barriers to work and proposes feasible solutions. The need for mental health staff and services to become involved in the provision of work opportunities is considered, as is the vital role they can play in changing communities. The potency of work as a vehicle for improving the social inclusion and community tenure of people with mental health problems is highlighted.