Anglia Ruskin University

Social inclusion through Employment Support for Adults with Mental Illness

The SESAMI study is a national evaluation of employment support carried out with colleagues from Durham and City Universities and King's College London, funded by the European Social Fund.

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 evaluates the effectiveness of different approaches to service delivery and measures costs to the individual, the provider, the employer and the taxpayer.

The research comprises of a case study approach, underpinned by Realistic Evaluation methodology, to generate insight into what works for whom and in which circumstances. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to look at processes, outcomes and costs with a range of informants.

The final report looks 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. Good practice guides for local communities, employers, professionals, informal carers and service users focused 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.

To find out more visit the SESAMI web pages.

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