Meeting the needs of women in mental health rehabilitation services

A service evaluation investigated the gender sensitivity of a London mental health rehabilitation service, including interventions to increase participation in women-only groups and activities. Method: A total of 40 female service users and 13 staff teams from 13 inpatient and community-based rehabilitation projects completed questionnaires regarding the service's gender sensitivity. Results: Most projects provided women-only space and the majority of female service users had a female keyworker, but there was limited provision and uptake of women-only groups and activities. Conclusion: A focus on collaboration with female service users to identify and establish, where lacking, groups and activities that appeal to women service users is needed to increase meaningful occupation.