Poverty, social exclusion and mental health: A survey of people's personal experiences

Focus on Mental Health is a UK forum which was formed in 1993. It consists of representatives of leading UK mental health groups, who work together on common objectives. In 2000/2001, Focus was funded by the Department for Education and Employment to carry out a programme of work looking at issues around poverty and mental health. This paper will focus on the results of a survey of people's personal experiences of mental health problems and living on a low income led by a sub‐group of Focus members.