Characterization of work and income generation initiatives for users of mental health services and its connection to the solidarity economy: the reality in São Paulo State

Abstract

The inauguration of the partnership between the technical area of mental healthcare and the National Secretary of Solidary Economy to foster work initiatives in the context of mental healthcare led to their progressive increase and brought more investments for them, as part of a strategy focused on social inclusion. This study characterizes initiatives aimed at work and income generation for users of mental health services in the state of São Paulo and examines if they are linked to solidarity economy. Sixteen occupational therapists participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study with a qualitative approach, and we developed a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data, which were analyzed descriptively. Results showed that initiatives had existed for 5 to 20 years, and most of them relied only on mental healthcare users and claimed to be related to solidarity economy. This study revealed the potential aspects of the initiatives in the affirmation process of the users as citizens and workers; however, challenges need to be faced, especially regarding income generation.