This is the first book to present a comprehensive civil rights and responsibilities agenda aimed at achieving full social inclusion for people suffering from mental illness. Drawing on research in the US and UK, as well as extensive experience of lobbying, policy work and collaboration between mental health and disability movements, Liz Sayce critiques the most popular approaches to reducing stigma and identifies the theoretical approaches and practical tasks necessary to effect real and positive change. She argues that were it not for pervasive prejudice and deep-seated social exclusion, people diagnosed with a mental illness could be full citizens, actively and constructively participating in society as workers, parents and community members.

Liz Sayce is Director of the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewiston Health Action Zone.

Tags: from psychiatric patient citizen