The Ten Essential Shared Capabilities

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• Developing socially inclusive practice
  • 1. Inclusion
  • 2. Assessment
  • 3. Exclusion
  • 4. Community
  • 5. Focus
  • 6. Empowerment
  • 7. Further Learning

3. Exclusion – The processes and power of exclusion

In order to combat social exclusion, we need a good understanding of how it works in society and affects individuals (Social Exclusion Unit 2004; see also ESC 4 Challenging Inequality). The following three definitions describe distinct but inter-related elements.

• Inclusion as access. People using mental health services should have access to the decision-making places where their personal care is reviewed and planned; where services are designed, managed and audited; and where jobs and promotions are offered.
• Inclusion as standard of living. People using mental health services should have the same opportunities as other citizens to enjoy employment and income, healthcare, housing and community safety, civic and legal rights.
• Inclusion as relationships. People using mental health services should have the same opportunities to establish and maintain respectful connections and friendships with a diverse array of other citizens. (Bates 2002)