Search

Objective: Recovery Colleges support recovery for adults with mental health problems, through coproduction and education principles. This study aimed to determine whether students at three Recovery Colleges in England were representative of mental health service users. Methods: Gender, age, ethnicity, diagnosis, involuntary detention, and inpatient admission were extracted from clinical records. Data for all service user students enrolled, and those who had attended 70% of a Recovery College course were compared to mental health services caseloads, using chi-square goodness-of-fit tests. Results: Clinical records were identified for 1,788 students. Significant differences were identified for gender, age, and diagnosis (p <.001). In some Colleges, more students had recent inpatient admissions or involuntary detentions. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Service user students were largely representative of mental health service users, although some groups were underrepresented. Further research is needed to understand why, so that Recovery Colleges can continue to address inequalities. Impact and Implications: This is the first multisite investigation into the characteristics of Recovery College students. It found that students are largely representative of people using mental health services, at different stages of their recovery. However, Colleges and mental health services could work on improving access for male, younger and older service users, and individuals with certain mental health diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the current provision and policy focus on Individual Placement and Support (IPS) in England. Method: This report reviews current and future national developments shaping the future direction of IPS in England. Results: Recent government policy announcements have led to an increased interest and focus on IPS nationally throughout England, leading to an expected growth in the numbers of people with a serious mental illness able to access employment support. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: England has the potential to become an exemplar of the supported employment approach and helping people with mental health problems get back to work, allowing individuals the opportunity to recover and access the benefits that employment can bring. Impact and Implications: Recent government policy announcements have led to an increased national interest and focus on Individual Placement and Support (IPS) throughout England. As a result, England has the potential to become an exemplar of the supported employment approach, helping people with mental health problems get back to work, and allowing individuals the opportunity to recover and access the benefits that employment can bring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]