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Chisholm opens mental health employment support project
22/05/2001
People with mental health difficulties will receive greater help into work or education, thanks to a new Rehab Scotland project, launched in Aberdeen today by the Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care, Malcolm Chisholm.
Speaking at the official launch, Mr Chisholm said:
"Rehab Scotland are to be congratulated on their Aberdeen project which will help rehabilitate people with mental health difficulties and enable them enter or return to education and employment.
"This work will include preparing clients for the world of work, supporting them in their new job and helping them be reintegrated into society so that they can live as full and independent lives as possible.
"Employment offers all of us a sense of purpose, the opportunity of a structured day, wider opportunities for mixing with colleagues, and a better social life. The kind of purposeful employment and training, supported by Rehab Scotland - in everyday settings, with the necessary understanding to promote self esteem and independence, is exactly what our Framework for Mental Health Services aims to achieve and is exactly what individuals and their carers need and deserve.
"I know it has taken commitment and energy to bring this project to fruition, and everyone involved can be proud of their part. Through this assistance they will obtain the dignity, respect and improved quality of life which all people with mental health difficulties have a right to expect.
"As outlined in our Scottish Health Plan, we are keen to see more such initiatives, delivering modern, flexible services across Scotland, offering this kind of service-used centred care and support. I look forward to hearing about the success of this project and the feedback from service users."
BACKGROUND
1. Formed in 1990, Rehab Scotland is one of Scotland's leading providers of rehabilitation and training services, dedicated to empowering people with disabilities and those who are socially and economically excluded to develop the skills they need to move into jobs. It currently provides services for around 800 clients a year in 18 locations across the country. Last year Rehab Scotland helped 103 people to secure employment, 137 to move into education and 112 to obtain qualifications.
2. The project being launched today provides a service for people with mental health difficulties in Aberdeen, who wish to move towards employment. It helps them cope with their unemployment or work related difficulties, while focusing on gaining, regaining or retaining work. Where appropriate, this can include further education and training.
3. The Aberdeen project also supports employees who are experiencing difficulties to retain their posts, and also helps employers with any issues relating to mental health difficulties through a confidential advisory service.
4. Mental Health is a top priority for NHSScotland. The Scottish Health Plan aims to deliver better and fairer access to all mental health services for all patients and their families. It sets out our aims for modern, responsive mental health services, which meet individually assessed needs. Person-centred care, with all agencies working together - of the kind highlighted above - is the only way to ensure we deliver on those goals.
5. In March 2000 the Scottish Executive established the Mental Health & Well Being Support Group to support, influence and advance the development of mental health services. It offers advice locally and to the Scottish Executive on solutions and best practice in implementing the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland. This Framework provides a template for the joint planning (with care agencies and the voluntary sector) of a comprehensive range of services and support to integrate people with mental health problems into the community. The Support Group is involved in ongoing visits throughout Scotland, meeting local care providers, services users and carers to assess progress in meeting the Framework's agenda for change
News Release: SE1315/2001
22 May 2001