The Whole Person Approach

Work & occupation

You may choose to:
- Work full or part-time in general employment
- Get specialist support to sustain you in general employment
- Use a specialist supported employment service
- Use occupational therapy sevices
- Be a volunteer

For people with a severe mental illness employment affords dignity and respect as well as financial independence.
The Labour Force Survey of 2003 found that although many want to work, people with severe mental illness have the lowest employment rate for any of the main groups of disabled people. However, there is support available if you want to go back to work and you have the right to work without discrimination.

As well as going into general employment independently, you could get into work with the support of friends or family or your mental health worker. You may also find work via a supported employment scheme run by a charitable or voluntary organisation.

For more information about benefits while working, go to money section of site.

Doing voluntary work can help reduce stress and depression. It may also improve your social life and your chances of getting paid work.

For more information on volunteering, read our factsheet by clicking here.

Useful links:
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
www.dfes.gov.uk has information from the Department for Education and Skills
New Deal for Disabled People has information on the New Deal Scheme for disabled people
www.dwp.gov.uk has information on working whilst caring for others
Careers Wales web-site pages for adults for careers advice and information:
https://www.careerswales.com/adult/default.asp?conid=adults

For information on occupational therapy visit the British Association of Occupational Therapists website at: http://www.cot.org.uk/ot-helps-you/mental-health