social inclusion

In a socially inclusive society all people feel valued, their differences are respected, and their basic
needs are met so they can live in dignity. “Social exclusion” occurs when people are shut out from the
social, economic, political and cultural systems that contribute to the integration of a person into the
community.

The result is that people suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor
skills, low incomes, poor housing, bad health and family breakdown. More than three quarters of the
360,000 people of working age in Australia diagnosed with a severe mental illness are not in the labor
force. This represents one of the lowest participation rates in the OECD.

Ermha argues that the most successful vocationally focused services for people who are experiencing
a mental illness are established by services with close connections to the target group and an intimate
understanding of their needs and abilities.

Clients are better prepared for work when they have:

• An accessible, predictable and welcoming environment which encourages the exploration of
  vocational opportunities
• Accessible and flexible pre vocational support using a “no wrong step” approach
• Mentor support – working along side people to offer reassurance and encouragement as they
  proceed toward their goals
• Industry standard training delivered in modules and in a self-paced learning mode

Ermha advocates the development of specialist mental health vocational support programs linked to
psychosocial services. Social enterprises such as MadCap Cafe provide a platform from which clients
can launch into the labor market.