The experience of mental health support workers who are themselves in recovery from mental illness

Abstract

The provision of training people with a history of mental illness, which enables them to work in the mental health field, is a relatively new concept. This small qualitative study explores the experience of three individuals who have completed the National Certificate in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work) (Level 4) and are employed as mental health support workers. Influences over the past thirty years on the mental health sector, which have enabled this to happen provide the background to this study. The way in which this experience has influenced their own personal recovery is described, and issues which arise for participants as a consequence of being employed as a mental health support worker, are explored. Strategies for employers to implement are proposed which should assist both employers and mental health support work employees.