Social Inclusion of People with Mental Illness

This book discusses the reasons for the social exclusion of people with mental illness.

Julian Leff (Author), Richard Warner (Author)

9780521615365, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 July 2006

204 pages, 2 b/w illus.
24.6 x 17.4 x 1.1 cm, 0.425 kg

'… a realistic and optimistic model for the social integration of people with mental illness, well informed by historical context, empirical findings and service-user perspectives. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in the historical and economic factors behind social exclusion and particularly to anyone who is involved in the mental health services and is concerned about the social inclusion of those who have come to use them.' Journal of Mental Health

People with serious mental illness no longer spend years of their lives in psychiatric institutions. In developed countries, there has been a major shift in the focus of care from hospitals into the community. However, whilst it means those with mental illness are not confined, it does not guarantee they will be fully integrated into their communities. The barriers to full citizenship are partly due to the disabilities produced by their illnesses and partly by stigmatising and discriminatory attitudes of the public. This book analyses the causes of these barriers and suggests ways of dismantling them. The book is constructed in two parts: the first relates to social inclusion and the second to occupational inclusion. Throughout, the text is annotated with quotes from consumers, to illustrate their experience of the issues discussed. The innovations outlined are described in sufficient detail for the reader to implement them in their own practice.

Foreword
1. Introduction: Barriers to social and occupational integration
2. The course of psychoses
3. The nature of stigma
4. Poverty and social disadvantage
5. Ameliorating users' symptoms
6. Dismantling psychiatric institutions
7. Reducing fear and discrimination among the public
8. Tackling self-stigmatisation
9. Overcoming obstacles to employment
10. Economic obstacles to employment
11. The spectrum of work programmes
12. Social firms
13. Innovative strategies
14. Inclusion and empowerment of consumers.

Subject Areas: Clinical psychology [MMJ], Psychiatry [MMH], Mental health services [MBPK], Social work [JKSN]