The Role of Work in Recovery

Abstract

The vocational rehabilitation agenda is gaining prominence within United Kingdom health care policy, with occupational therapists poised to play a major role in the delivery of vocational services. The evidence base for supported employment has been widely accepted, although this is poorly implemented within the United Kingdom. This opinion piece considers some of the recent literature and social policy around work, occupation and recovery. It suggests that there is a need to consider supported employment interventions under the broader approach of recovery-oriented practice, alongside a process of enabling people with mental health problems to engage in personally meaningful occupations.