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Description
With this project we want to contribute to the solution of low employability and employment of people with mental health problems: due to various, often severe and complicated, consequences of mental health disorders on their psychosocial functioning, this group of citizens is among the most difficult to employ and their needs in employment support significant and specific. Although in the Republic of Croatia we have laws and measures regulating supported employment, the system does not adequately and efficiently respond to the specific needs of this user group as well as the needs of relevant stakeholders involved in achieving (successful) employment: employers and other caregivers in recovery, of which work is one of major determinants. Through piloting modern and evidence-based model of supported employment for people with mental health problems, its promotion among professionals and end users, and informing the same groups about the supported employment system and opportunities for its improvement as well as through advocacy activities with key policy stakeholders we will provide new conditions for advancment in supported employment. We will provide evidence and guidelines for the development of services, activate the entire stakeholder community in the field of working rights and its realization for people with mental health problems, and, finally, strengthen the user group for necessary changes. The added value of the activities is the possibility of transferring the model to other vulnerable user groups on the labor market and opening a discussion on the possibilities of implementing the model in the national system of supported employment.
Summary of project results
The IPSilon project aimed to tackle the low employment rates and lack of work engagement among individuals with mental health difficulties, particularly severe psychiatric disorders and addiction issues. It targeted the systemic factors perpetuating this problem, such as outdated support systems and societal attitudes. The project focused on improving the recovery and work integration of individuals with mental health issues, addressing the inadequate support from various stakeholders including mental health professionals, healthcare institutions, social welfare agencies, employers, and the broader community. By designing tailored employment support systems based on the capabilities and limitations of the target group, the project aimed to enhance their integration into the workforce.
Its primary goal was to demonstrate effective support models for employment within the Croatian healthcare, social welfare, and labor market contexts. Additionally, it aimed to educate stakeholders about the importance of work integration for individuals with mental health issues and raise awareness about the necessity of comprehensive support services for their recovery and employment. The project confronted entrenched beliefs about the inability of people with mental health difficulties to work and challenged the inefficiencies of existing support systems for their work reintegration. Overall, IPSilon sought to empower individuals with mental health issues by advocating for their rights to meaningful employment and promoting inclusive practices in the workplace.