Making the journey to learning and work
| Published date | 13 May 2010 |
| Pages | 28-34 |
| Date | 13 May 2010 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5042/mhsi.2010.0240 |
| Author | Caroline Law,David Ewens |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Mental Health and Social Inclusion • Volume 14 Issue 2 • May 2010 © Pier Professional Ltd28
RESEARCH
that promote recovery and mental well-being. This
is especially pertinent for socially excluded adults
and disadvantaged groups – including people
experiencing mental health difficulties.
The first task for the National Institute of Adult
Continuing Education (NIACE) was to uncover
what is already known about the travel experiences
of people with mental health difficulties. There
is a considerable body of research that highlights
the extent to which insufficient access to travel
opportunities contributes to social exclusion for many
groups (Centre for Transport Studies Imperial College
et al, undated; Lucas et al, 2001; Social Exclusion
Unit, 2003; Smith et al, 2006). Being able to access
travel affects people’s quality of life and enables
them to take part in activities including learning and
working, which contribute to social inclusion and
mental well-being.
Some research has homed in specifically on the
attitudinal and physical barriers faced by disabled
people (including people experiencing mental
health difficulties), and has highlighted issues of
Background
The potential beneficial effects that learning or
working can have on mental health are well
documented. A series of government polices and
initiatives launched in 2009 signify the government’s
commitment to support more people experiencing
mental health difficulties to take up work (Perkins
et al, 2009; Cabinet Office, 2009; Department for
Work and Pensions & Department of Health, 2009).
Similarly, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) (2009)
has stated its commitment to support more people
experiencing mental health difficulties to access and
succeed in learning and skills provision, to lead
active and fulfilling lives and to contribute to mental
well-being.
However, if people cannot travel with relative
ease to their place of learning or work, or if
challenges with travelling affect retention, potential
benefits to mental well-being and opportunities
for greater social inclusion will not be realised.
Travel is inextricably linked to social inclusion,
quality of life and access to services and activities
Making the journey
to learning and work
Caroline Law
Research Assistant, National Institute of Adult Continuing Education
David Ewens
Programme Director, National Institute of Adult Continuing Education
Abstract
This article describes selected findings from a research study examining the travel experiences (including
walking, using public transport, cars, bikes, or taxis) of people experiencing mental health difficulties,
specifically in relation to travelling to learning or work. The research sits within the Mental Health Partnership
Programme run by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, the Learning and Skills Council and
the Inclusion Institute, which works to improve access to and success in learning for adults experiencing
mental health difficulties.
Key words
Mental health; Public transport; Learning; Work; Education; Travel
10.5042/mhsi.2010.0240
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