Promoting Employment Participation for People With Mental Health Challenges: Photovoice and Advocacy

People with mental health issues are three times more likely to be unemployed. The purpose of this community-engaged research project was to address an issue brought up by our community partner that people with mental health challenges were restricted from participating in employment. A photovoice study was conducted to answer the research question: what facilitating factors and hindering factors of employment were encountered by people with mental health challenges? Seven participants recruited by our community partner completed three rounds of photo assignments and group meetings. Study findings revealed that mental health conditions presented challenges in finding, acquiring, and retaining employment, and that self-management strategies and a safe work environment were critical to facilitate employment participation. A community advisory group was informed about the study findings. We then hosted photovoice exhibit events to increase awareness about the employment issue for community people. Recommendations for conducting community-engaged research are discussed.