SE-SURG South Essex Service User Research Group

Employment - what's it got to do with mental health?

Our claim to fame! Still dreaming: Service users’ employment, education & training goals The South Essex Service User Research Group (SE-SURG), Jenny Secker, & Leslie Gelling Journal of Mental Health, February 2006

Influencing Employment Strategy in South Essex A Service User Research Project

Service users' employment goals and needs - a service user research project The survey Different perspectives researchers respondent administrator

Aim To inform the development of vocational services in South Essex by ascertaining service users’ employment, education and training goals. Method Face to face interviews Postal questionnaires

Results 82 face to face interviews 159 responses to postal questionnaire 43% - no regular daytime activity 15% - in paid work 61% - interested in finding work 77% - of those interested in working receiving no vocational support

Perceived Barriers to Work Employers’ attitudes Threat to benefits All identified multiple barriers Lack of skills Health problems Lack of work experience Insufficient support Age Fear mental health services will be withdrawn Stigma-attitudes of public & colleagues & fear of disclosure

Conclusions & Recommendations High numbers of mental health service users are interested in pursuing employment, education or training goals but lack the support they need to do so Implementation of an evidence based approach to employment support has the potential to enable service users to attain their goals

Further Outcomes Service users are able to undertake such research with considerable benefits for themselves and other stakeholders Added value for Participants Commissioners Service User Researchers –gained insight and understanding –broadened knowledge and skills –increased confidence and self esteem –financial reward –CV –employment outcomes

SE-SURG South Essex Service User Research Group