Access to employment: A supported employment project to enable mental health service users to obtain jobs within mental health teams

Abstract

This paper considers the importance of employment for people who experience serious mental health problems, together with the shortage of employment opportunities for them. A supported employment project is described. People who experience serious mental health problems are recruited to clinical posts within an inner London mental health service. These ' user employees' are provided with assistance during the recruitment process, and afterwards in their initial training and ongoing employment. Service users have thus far been employed as mental health support workers, nursing assistants, care assistants, physiotherapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants. The problems encountered in this initiative, and the solutions sought, are outlined. The project has provided much needed employment opportunities for people who have experienced serious mental health problems. It has also recognised the special skills and expertise of users and made these available to other users and staff within the service. There also appears to have been a positive effect on staff attitudes and practices.