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Abstract
This study was undertaken to evaluate a new employment initiative called ACCEPT - Assessment Counselling and Coaching in Employment Placement and Training for people with mental health problems. Pre- (T1) and post-training (T2) assessments of 63 ACCEPT trainees - based on the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile - indicated statistically significant improvements ( p <0.05) at T2 in satisfaction with employment status, religion and purpose in life, social relationships and overall wellbeing as well as a statistically significant increase in overall self-esteem scores. Minor psychiatric morbidity (GHQ) also decreased significantly ( p <0.05) after training. Trainees‘ own views about ACCEPT were positive. At the end of the study, approximately half (32/63) were in paid employment or in part/full-time voluntary work or work experience. Mental health professionals ( n =52) were generally in favour of the service, although some expressed concern about staffing, client placements and inter-agency communication. The findings highlight, among other things, the importance of ‗therapeutic outcomes‘ and the critical role of effective inter-agency working and support from mental health professionals in the success of work-orientated programmes of care.