The structure of work environments in psychiatric rehabilitation

Abstract

There is now an extensive literature describing the value of work for people with a psychiatric disability (Shepherd, 1989; Bennett, 1970; Wing & Brown, 1970; Pilling, 1988). Apart from financial gain the benefits of work can include social contacts and support; social status and identity; ‘normal’ non-patient roles; a means of structuring and occupying one's time; a sense of personal achievement and mastery and a criterion of recovery from illness (Shepherd, 1984). However, for many people with a long-term psychiatric disability the range of opportunity for work is often very limited, usually consisting of subcontract packing or assembly work. The provision of this repetitive and simple work satisfies a basic occupational need. However to a large extent it neglects the fulfilment of broader psychological and social needs. People with a vulnerability to experience periods of major mental disorder usually have more than just an occupational need; they also need to be in an environment which can provide the conditions that will actively assist in the promotion of a state of positive mental health.

Models of specialist employment for people with mental health problems

“…An English equivalent of a work crew is illustrated by Bertram & Linnett (1995), who describe a cleaning service staffed by psychiatric patients from Tooting Bec hospital. Mills (1991) gives the examples of a recycling scheme and a canteen run by service users.…”