Two action research projects

The network pages in this issue are devoted to describing work in progress on two multisite action research projects supporting the development of comprehensive, effective vocational services for people with mental health problems in seven localities in England and Wales. The Employment Support Unit at the Institute of Applied Health and Social Policy at King's College London is running Care Programme to Work, which is funded by the Department of Health and works in Sutton, Sheffield, Manchester and Plymouth. Expanding Opportunity Through Partnership is run by the OUTSET Consultancy Service, funded by the Nuffield Foundation and works in Eastbourne, North Staffordshire and Bridgend, South Wales. Part of the value of these projects is the opportunities they afford for sharing experience and ideas across different places engaged in the same task. In 2000 the two projects are planning to join forces to create a Practice Development Network, which will expand the opportunities for joint learning and sharing experience even further.