FPED - FOUNDATION
Examples of working arrangements for people with severe mental health problems:
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT : Work in integrated settings in the open labour market with ongoing support and competitive pay.
FPED set up the Finnish Network for Supported Employment, FINSE, to promote education, awareness and communication about supported employment. FINSE has about 133 members. Its activities consist of publications, national and international seminars, and training for job coaches. FINSE is a Finnish member of the European Union of Supported Employment (EUSE).
EMPLOYMENT MODELS FOR MENTAL HEALTH TRAINEES
Jobs suitable for mental health trainees undergoing rehabilitation are being developed in collaboration with work centres, i.e., transitional employment, which help people with mental health problems enter the open job market. A central part of this is comprehensive support, which covers working, housing, and meaningful leisure pursuits, such as hobbies and friends.
THE FOUNTAIN HOUSE: A social service, housing and employment programme for people who have experienced severe mental illness. Members can participate in meaningful activities and work at the House.
The Foundation has promoted clubhouses based on the Fountain House model of psychiatric rehabilitation in Finland. It disseminates information on the model and promotes the establishment of more clubhouses. The Foundation is a senior partner in the International Center for Clubhouses Development (ICCD).
SHELTERED WORKSHOPS : Sheltered workplaces provide individuals with disabilities with a prolonged period of learning and practice with lower rates of output and pay than in the open labour market.
The Foundation is co operating with sheltered workshops to develop a new workshop model, which will function independently in the labour market, and as part of a local and regional network of service providers in training and rehabilitation.
SOCIAL FIRMS AND ENTREPRISES: Businesses with a social mission in the open labour market, aiming to employ people with disabilities or other disadvantages. Workers are paid a market wage or salary appropriate to the work.
In 1997 FPED started a national development project of social firms in Finland. In this development work, the Foundation is making full use of its membership of the CEFEC - the Confederation of European Firms, Employment Initiatives and Co-operatives.
LAWS
The following legislation concerns people with disabilities, their employment, training and services1:
