Mental Health Services in Ireland

Facilitating the employment of people with mental health difficulties in Ireland

“…Research suggests that employers may view employing a person with a mental health disability as an 'act of charity' and not see the potential the person has to offer in the workplace (Krupa, et al, 2009). Research also suggests that the way in which mental health illness is reported in the media also has a significant negative impact on employers' attitudes to employing a person with a mental health difficulty (McClelland, et al, 2000), since they are concerned about potential violence and other undesirable traits and behaviours associated with the illness (Gaffey and Evans, 2016). This can be improved by creating better awareness through education and by supporting inclusion and diversity in the workplace (Biggs, et al, 2010;Krupa, et al, 2009).…”

“…Employer questions related to the capability of service users to return to paid competitive employment within their organisation or a similar organisation. The employers who were interviewed stated that of the nine service users collectively who had availed of vocational opportunities within their organisation or business, (Krupa, et al, 2009) (Gaffey & Evans, 2016) Costs involved in IPS implementation Success measured only in terms of paid competitive employment Non-vocational outcomes not measured Lack of knowledge in mental health treatment teams Recovery based practices Cognitive and Social functioning of the mental health client (Drake, et al, 2012) (Hodgson, et al, 2011) (Khalema & Shankar, 2014) (Meuser, et al, 2016) (Essen, 2012) (Prior, et al, 2013) (Mojtabai, et al, 2015) (Krupa, et al, 2009) Clients low personal causation Side effects of medication -fatigue, concentration, weight gain Physical health issues and co-morbidity Educational attainments of clients Employment/Vocational related issues (Meuser, et al, 2016) (Pearson, et al, 2012) (O'Day, et al, 2017) (Cullen, et al, 2017) (Watson, et al, 2015) (Mental Health Reform, 2015 (Essen, 2012) (Prior, et al, 2013) (Khalema & Shankar, 2014) (Batinic, et al, 2010) (McClelland, et al, 2000) ) (Krupa, et al, 2009) (Mental Health Reform, 2018 Lack of guidance for employers when employing a person with a mental health difficulty Social welfare system -the benefits trap Lack of practical capabilities of clients Health benefits of suitable employment Vocational opportunities available Stigma surrounding mental health (Krupa, et al, 2009) (Hampson, et al, 2016) (Amnesty International, 2013 (Holland, 2012) (Gaffey & Evans, 2016) (Donnelly, 2017) (Rusch, et al, 2017 Stigma Discrimination Media's portrayal of mental illness Negative career consequences of disclosure o...…”