1. The document discusses supporting people with mental health conditions in gaining and maintaining employment through evidence-based programs and by addressing barriers like prejudice, low expectations, and a lack of appropriate support. 2. It outlines principles of an effective supported employment model called Individual Placement and Support and cites research showing such programs can help over 50% of participants find competitive jobs. 3. The document argues for an approach where employment is seen as a basic right and realistic goal for anyone with the proper supports, and that supporting employment can help challenge stigma while benefiting individuals' recovery, self-esteem and participation in society.

1. Realising Ambitions: Making Employment a Reality for People with Mental Health Conditions Rachel E. Perkins BA, MPhil (Clinical Psychology), PhD, OBE Freelance Consultant and Trainer Recovery – Employment – Participation Mind Champion of the Year 2010 [email_address] 7 th March 2011

6. A conspiracy of prejudice and low expectations Expert mental health professionals and employment services believe that people with mental health problems are unlikely to be able to work People with mental health problems believe that they cannot work and give up trying to get jobs Employers believe that people with mental health problems cannot work – so don’t employ them Very few people with mental health problems in employment

11. We know it works to enable people to work... Competitive employment rates in 16 randomised controlled trials

13. If we really address employment and education right from the start the results are even more impressive Typical Picture: 50% in employment or education at first admission - only 20% a year later … but it doesn’t have to be this way Individual Placement with Support in First Episode Psychosis From Rinaldi et al (2010) First episode psychosis and employment: A review. International Review of Psychiatry, April 2010; 22(2): 148–162

14. Wholesale manager Accountant IT assistant Mental health development worker Ward assistant Bookmaker Call centre handler Retail assistant Receptionist Hairdresser MH advocate Occupational therapy assistant Accountants officer Catering assistant Chambermaid Cleaner Hotel Porter Labourer Leaflet dropper Plumber’s assistant Post assistant Recycling assistant English Teacher Actor Journalist Admin worker Credit controller Project worker (private sector) IT Helpdesk Admin Assistant Civil servant - executive officer Baker x2 Carpenter Caretaker Hairdresser Sales Assistant x8 IT Support desk Administrator Decorator Cleaner Street cleaner Warehouse worker Market research administrator Care assistant Civil Servant (administrator) Production assistant Assistant special needs teacher Administrative assistant x5 Regeneration project worker Glazier Plumber Catering manager IT trainer Nurse Health records officer Hairdresser assistant Indian Restaurant waiter Leisure assistant Driver Bar work Barista Sales Advisor Boatyard worker Café Assistant Catering assistant Teaching assistant Social worker Youth Worker Financial controller And it is not all stacking shelves

15. We also know that by providing support we increase people’s belief that they can work Proportion of people who had ‘written themselves off’ as unable to work because of their mental health condition

19. Challenging prejudice and discrimination: The Time to Change Campaign in England www.time-to-change.org.uk

22. If people with mental health problems are really to enjoy the right to work then we must break down prejudice and stereotypes that prevail and provide people with the support and adjustments they need but most of all we must raise our expectations One of the biggest barriers to employment is low expectations Research shows that work IS a realistic possibility for people with even more serious mental health conditions IF we provide the right kind of support and adjustments Research has found no consistent relationship between diagnosis, severity or duration of mental health problems ... BUT If those of us with mental health conditions are to gain employment and pursue our careers we must believe in our own abilities and possibilities If those of us providing mental health and employment services are to help people to realise their ambitions we must believe in the abilities and possibilities of those whom we serve In the words of Michelangelo “ The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.”

23. ... and the benefits of supporting people to gain employment should never be underestimated “ I have re-entered full-time employment. Over a year later I am still working. I now focus more on opportunities in life and less on my condition. I regularly socialise with my colleagues after work and actually feel content to be a taxpayer again … The support has been immeasurably important …[it] has enabled me to make the journey towards recovery and realise my aim of contributing to society again through fulfilling employment.” “ My passion for my career is immense. A job defines you, provides money, personal fulfilment and a sense of achievement. This is what I am, this is what I do, I am no longer a mental health condition.” “ Now I’m a contributing member of society because of my employment. It’s worth is altering the life of someone with a mental illness … helping me to change direction from hopelessness to being worthwhile.”