Request for Help/Ideas - RE: Stigma in Employment

[Joanna Cameron]

Good Afternoon Colleagues,

I am currently completing a project that I plan to present at the
Ontario Working Group on Early Intervention in Psychosis’ Conference on
March 10 – 11, 2011.

The topic is “Experiences of Stigma in Gaining and Maintaining
Employment in People with First Episode Psychoses” (which will be
presented in the session entitled: "Common Speed Bumps in Employment
and some Solutions to Try"). It is a critical review, and I plan to
examine what stigma currently looks like with regards to employment for
our client population, and also what is currently being done in the
field with regards to reducing the stigma of mental illness with
employers.

To that end, I was hoping you would be willing to help me by answering
two questions. Responses would be appreciated by Friday February 18,
2011.

1. Please describe in detail what is currently being done, if anything,
at your program with regards to reducing the stigma of mental illness
with employers?

2. How is your current strategy working to reduce stigma? (i.e. Is it
working? Is something missing? What are the results?)

My goal is to provide some take-aways for participants at the
conference; however, I would also be happy to share my findings with
anyone who is interested.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Joanna Cameron
Supported Employment Counsellor
PEPP Program - LHSC
519-685-8500 x 75492

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[eric.l...@douglas.mcgill.ca]

Hi Joanna:

 

I am copying our IPS team leader, Marie-Sylvie St-Pierre, in case she has some specific ideas to give to you.  One member of her team, Mireille Valois, does work with our PEPP program (which is led by Ashok Malla whom I expect you know). 

 

Also I would be interested in learning more about your conference on March 10 -11.  I was not able to find it via Google.  Could you please send me a link?

 

Thanks,

 

Eric Latimer, Ph.D.

Research Scientist, Douglas Institute

Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, McGill University

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Sent by: if...@googlegroups.com
Date: 02/07/2011 04:06PM
Subject: [iFEVR] Request for Help/Ideas - RE: Stigma in Employment

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[Ringland, Pam]

Hi Joanna,
We deliver psychosis awareness training to anyone that wants it but mainly schools, colleges, supported employment provides etc. Presentations usually contain facts about psychosis and recovery rates if treated early, quizzes (e.g. how many murders are committed by people with a mental health diagnosis? People are usually surprised to hear that the figure is only 5% in the UK), hearing voices exercise to foster understanding about the lived experience and then what people can do to help. We find that those with very entrenched prejudices are less likely to listen but those that have not really considered the issue are more likely to be influenced.

For individuals on our caseload we will meet with existing or potential employers to raise awareness and negotiate appropriate adjustments if necessary (with permission and in collaboration with the service users). We reduce stigma by explaining the facts which then reduces fear due to ignorance (see above).

This has been successful in maintaining existing employment but not so successful at helping individuals get a job if unemployed. In general, many local employers seem quite resistant to learning about mental health, but there is a national campaign 'Time to Change' that may be more far reaching.

Pam Ringland
Senior Occupational Therapist

Headspace, Early Intervention in Psychosis Service,
Campion Place,
44 - 46 Elm Grove,
Southsea,
PO5 1JX
Tel: 02392 737106
Mob: 0776 7787492
email: pam.ri...@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or pam.ri...@solent.nhs.uk
Website: www.headspaceportsmouth.com

-----Original Message-----
From: if...@googlegroups.com [mailto:if...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Joanna Cameron
Sent: 07 February 2011 21:07
To: iF...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [iFEVR] Request for Help/Ideas - RE: Stigma in Employment

Good Afternoon Colleagues,

I am currently completing a project that I plan to present at the
Ontario Working Group on Early Intervention in Psychosis' Conference on

March 10 - 11, 2011.

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