title: The College Link Program: evaluation of a supported education initiative in Great Britain.
abstract: The article presents an outcome evaluation of a supported education initiative in London, Great Britain, for adults with longer term mental health needs. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected from the leavers at the end of the college course and data was also collected from students 10-22 months after completing the course. The study found increases in self-esteem, social functioning, independence, cognitive abilities, and confidence, using non-standardized measures. Some students also reported that they felt less stigmatized by their problems and that their assertiveness had improved. In-patient and day-patient hospitalization rates decreased dramatically, representing cost-effectiveness and the opportunity for substantial savings to Great Britain's National Health Service. Most of the students planned to continue with further education and/or do some voluntary work. Some were looking for paid work. The data from past students suggested that gains were maintained except in one instance where there had been a major negative life event. Most past students were in continuing education. There were methodological limitations to the study that there are plans to correct for in further studies.
authors.affiliation: Barts and London University.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Isenwater
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lanham
authors.forename: Hermione
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thornhill
mesh_terms: D004493:Education / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016832:Employment, Supported; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology