Helping Those With Mental Health Problems Access Open Employment - A Glasgow Case Study

Abstract

Mental health problems are relatively common within the population. For some, the problems may be so severe that they have to give up paid work. However, there is evidence that, not only do the mentally ill have a strong desire to return to paid work but, such work can improve mental health. This paper looks at the varied ways that have evolved to help the mentally ill return to work. Drawing on research undertaken in Glasgow, it finds that mental health projects have developed in isolation from one an other and from the wider local economic development network. It argues that a more effective service can be provided if there is improved networking between projects and if they concentrate upon interventions which make optimum use of their particular knowledge and skills. This would involve mental health projects providing the social and therapeutic aspects of support, whilst the economic development projects dealt with vocation al training and labour market links.