Abstract: Objectives: The European partnership ELSiTO aimed to develop
understanding of the nature and processes of social inclusion for persons
experiencing mental illness. Participants: Partners were from Belgium, Greece
and the Netherlands with over 30 members including mental health service users,
occupational therapists and other staff. Approach: A knowledge-creation learning process was used during four
international, experiential, visits and local meetings, which included visiting
and describing good practice, telling stories of experiences, reflection and
discussion. Results: The partnership developed understandings of the nature and
process of social inclusion, including both subjective and objective aspects
interrelated with the doing of daily activities in the community. Members'
work-related experiences, illustrated through their stories, depict the
subjective aspects of social inclusion as they are shaped and framed by the
objective conditions within a variety of work opportunities. Experiences in
paid work, supported employment and voluntary work may both threaten and
enhance mental health. Features of successful (voluntary) work experiences are
identified. Conclusions: The importance is revealed of looking critically at
current understandings of work and to move beyond a narrow focus on paid work
in order to provide a range of work opportunities that will empower the
individual's potential and promote inclusive communities.
Keywords: Work, volunteering, social inclusion, mental illness, stories
