My dissertation aims to examine the social support of people with mental health issues, which they receive in their private lives as well as by their inclusion in the Social Inclusion Program (slov. Program Socialna vključenost). Social support is essential for each of us and offers positive effects on both mental and physical health as well as overall well-being. For people with mental health issues, it is especially important during their recovery period. Namely, they are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society and often face reduced social support, social rejection, and exclusion. One of the organizations that take action in the field of social inclusion is the Šent Association (The Slovenian Association for Mental Health), which, among other activities, runs the Social Inclusion Program — 69 of its participants from 8 different locations across Slovenia were willing to answer my questionnaire. The survey analysis revealed that respondents mostly do not feel excluded but, on the contrary, accepted by society and have access to all kinds of support. They are satisfied with the support offered by the Šent Association and feel like part of the group. Half of the respondents believe that the state does not offer enough help to vulnerable groups, while some of them have also had a bad experience with regular employment. The kind of “employment” this program offers, plays an important role in terms of work, social inclusion and support.
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