Review Module 1 and links for information on establishing trust and building rapport.
Review Module 2 and links for information on helping people with health and wellness.
Underlying Principles
- A key central value of recovery, is the understanding that all people have the capacity to live a full and meaningful life. This includes engaging in the workforce, volunteerism, learning, and social environments of their choice (PSR BC)
- Extensive research has shown that individuals with mental illness and mental health problems view employment as central to recovery and overall health (Mueser, Drake, & Bond, 2016; Loveland et al., 2007)
- People with a job are healthier, have higher self-esteem and higher standards of living (WHO, 2022 & MHCC, 2019).
- It is well documented that meaningful, quality employment is central to mental health recovery, contributing to improved health and functional outcomes (World Health Organization, 2022; CAMH & CMHA Ontario, 2010).
- More specifically, for people living with mental illness, education and employment lead to a reduction in symptoms and hospitalizations, improved confidence, social functioning and overall quality of life (World Health Organization, 2022; CAMH & CMHA Ontario, 2010).
- People living with mental health and substance use issues have the right to participate in work fully and fairly. Yet the unemployment and underemployment rate remain extremely high, ranging from estimated rates between 70-90% (CMAH BC, MHCC, 2019).
- There are effective ways to support people living with serious mental illness to secure and sustain meaningful employment, including evidence based supported employment services.
The most evidenced based supported employment model is the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model., Further information and resources will be provided towards the end of the module.