Abstract

Prejudice, discrimination and social exclusion: reducing the barriers to recovery for people diagnosed with mental health problems in the UK

Author(s): Rachel Perkins, Julie Repper

If people with mental health problems are to recover valued lives then they need support to become contributing members of society. This article demonstrates the ongoing existence and impact of exclusion in impeding recovery and explores the mechanisms underpinning inclusion for both individuals and their communities. The significance of tackling lack of knowledge, negative attitudes and rejecting behavior are described and approaches to decrease these are discussed. Future directions are considered with recommendations for changes in the educational messages used, the facilitation of contact in community settings, the measurement of outcomes in terms of positive social achievements and reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People, the UK Equality Act and the forthcoming UK Disability Strategy.