Participation in day centres for people with psychiatric disabilities - a focus on occupational engagement

Background: Day centres are central for community participation among people with mental health problems. Understanding day centre attendees' occupational engagement is therefore important. Method:A total of 88 people from six day centres in four municipalities in southern Sweden completed a time-use diary, recording their occupational engagement during the most recent day at the day centre. The transcribed data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings: The main theme was being part of the spirit of togetherness and getting empowered, from which the participants' reflections could be understood. Conclusion: The day centres provided opportunities to be occupationally engaged and to create routines, and challenged the attendees to be more active in their daily life. Day centres have the potential to provide empowering occupations and rehabilitation for people with mental health problems and to help them towards a more participatory life.