Service Users in Perspective

Abstract

The landmark text by Liz Sayce (2000), Psychiatric Patient to Citizen: Overcoming Discrimination and Social Exclusion, was touched upon in the previous chapter. Important points raised by Sayce at the turn of the century remain salient today. The book delves into the depth and breadth of a growing movement of empowered mental health service users who voiced their opinions and expectations with regard to the treatment and care of people with mental health issues. Couched within a culture of burgeoning voices from minority and oppressed social groups, service user campaigns aimed to put pressure directly on policy makers as well as speak to the wider public about stigma and discrimination. Sayce went on the following year to address the profession of psychiatry and mental health policy makers on the subject of disability rights (Sayce 2001).