Background on the NSIP

The Social Exclusion Unit published its report ‘Mental Health and Social Exclusion’ in June 2004. The report's immediate impact is directed at improving the lives of people with mental health problems by reducing or eliminating barriers to employment and wider social participation. However it has great potential also to impact significantly across service areas, client populations and on the health, engagement and economic position of wider communities.

The National Social Inclusion Programme (NSIP) at NIMHE has brought together the work of government departments and other organisations in a concerted effort to challenge attitudes, to enable people to fulfil their aspirations and to significantly improve opportunities and outcomes for people with mental health problems.

The reports action points

The report sets out a 27-point action plan to bring together the work of government departments and other organisations in a concerted effort to challenge attitudes, enable people to fulfil their aspirations, and significantly improve opportunities and outcomes for this excluded group.

Action falls into six categories:

Stigma and discrimination - a sustained programme to challenge negative attitudes and promote awareness of people's rights;
The role of health and social care in tackling social exclusion - implementing evidence-based practice in vocational services and enabling reintegration into the community;
Employment - giving people with mental health problems a real chance of sustained paid work reflecting their skills and experience;
Taking part in the local community - enabling people to lead fulfilling lives the way they choose;
Getting the basics right - access to decent homes, financial advice and transport; and
Making it happen - clear arrangements for leading this programme and maintaining momentum.

For more information visit the Social Inclusion programme's website.

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