You are here: Home › Resources › SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT

SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT

"This paper [from the CSD WORKING PAPER SERIES] argues that for real change to occur in improving the experiences of people with a mental illness in training and employment, more needs to be understood about employers’ attitudes and support needs. A review of international literature reveals a gap in the research that seeks to engage directly with employers on their attitudes and support needs in relation to mental illness. Much of what is written about employer attitudes and needs is approached from the supply side: observations from those with a mental illness or from the services that support them. Very little research has concentrated on the demand side, resulting in a lack of evidence on the employer’s voice. This paper, following a consideration of disparities in participation and outcomes in training and employment for those with mental illness compared to other disability types and non-disabled people, examines findings from two studies from the USA and Australia designed to engage with the employer voice. The paper concludes that while both studies provide valuable insight into employer perspectives, there is a need for further intervention by researchers and policy makers to ensure the centrality of the employer voice." (Abstract)