The unemployment level of the general South African population has been unacceptably high for the longest time. Currently, more than a quarter of South Africans who want to work, are unemployed. The unemployment rate
amongst people with disabilities is even higher, as they are reflected in less than 2% of the workforce. People with psychiatric disabilities, as one of the most vulnerable groups, easily comprise 80% of the unemployed people with disabilities. This, while we fully understand the intimate relationship between work and psychological health. This worrying situation warrants serious consideration, and action, if the healthgiving elements of work are denied to our clients, while it will so clearly contribute to their recovery and sustained wellness.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT: TOWARDS THE EMPLOYMENT FRONTIER FOR PEOPLE WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITY
