‘There may be trouble ahead’ Available to Purchase

It was John Perske who wrote about the ‘dignity of risk’ and reminded us that a good quality of life includes the right to try things out, to experiment, to fail. If every toddler who tumbled over was protected from further harm, then nobody would be walking on two legs. Many employment and education projects for people who use mental health services invite their participants to take a risk — to try out a new activity, take on a new role, or learn a new skill. But how is this risk managed? In the advanced capitalist economy of the late 1990s, a whole industry has grown up around the reality of risk. People at risk of theft or loss have property insurance. Those at risk of loss of earnings can take out cover. There is injury and sickness protection, and finally financial protection against the devastation of premature death. Empowerment is about having the same right as every other citizen, about having the same insurance policy in your pocket as the next person. Where do people who participate in mental health workschemes fit in? Do they hold this key to power?