SESAMI
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SESAMI |
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Social inclusion through Employment Support for Adults with Mental Illness
Supported employment is at an early stage of development in England. The SESAMI study will identify models of good practice on which to base its further development in public, voluntary and private sectors. Its overall aim is to promote greater integration into the workforce of people with severe mental health problems.
The study focuses on supported employment for people with severe and enduring mental health problems, who are much less likely to be employed than other disability groups. It will evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches to service delivery, and measure costs to the individual, the provider, the employer and the taxpayer.
The research design will comprise a case study approach, underpinned by Realistic Evaluation methodology, to generate insights into what works for whom in what circumstances. Processes, outcomes and costs will be examined using quantitative and qualitative research methods with a range of informants. We will look at employment status, quality of life and work, social inclusion and service costs.
Six partner agencies have agreed to be part of this study. They will provide the support for a total of about 250 people who wish to work. Three researchers will follow these people over one year, with the cooperation of the partner agencies, to gather the information outlined above.
The research team will produce a final report in October 2006. This will look at approaches to employment support: acceptability to stakeholders; number of people placed; quality of jobs obtained, levels of social inclusion of these jobs; income; and costs. Any differences by locality, ethnicity and gender will be explored. Good practice guides for local communities, employers, professionals, informal carers, and service users will be produced in appropriate formats. These will focus on how barriers to work can be reduced, taking account of the individual needs of people with mental health problems, and the stigma that they face in addition to other complex disadvantages.
SOCIAL INCLUSION THROUGH EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT FOR ADULTS WITH MENTAL ILL HEALTH (SESAMI)
Anglia University, City University, Jobcentre Plus, Mental Health Matters, Remploy, Richmond Fellowship Employment and Training, The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, Shaw Trust, South West London & St. Georges NHS Trust, University of Durham.
