Published on: 27 October 2026
People living in secure mental health hospitals say that work helps them feel happier, more confident, and better prepared for life after discharge, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy.
The research, led by Dr Joshua Ige - Divisional Lead Occupational Therapist for the Inpatient services, Crisis, Corporate, Children services at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, explored the experiences of seven people working in a range of hospital-based roles, including gardening, catering, woodwork, engineering, and arts projects.
Participants described work as much more than just keeping busy. They said it gave them a sense of purpose, structure, and achievement while helping them manage their mental health and build confidence. Many reported feeling happier and more positive when working, with some saying it helped them forget their worries and focus on the future.
The study found that occupational therapists played a key role in helping people find work opportunities that matched their interests, abilities, and goals. Participants valued having the freedom to choose whether to work and what type of work to do, rather than feeling pressured into activities.
Although many people felt nervous when starting a new role, this anxiety often reduced over time with support from staff and colleagues. Participants reported gaining practical skills, improving their social confidence, and developing ambitions for employment, education, and volunteering after leaving hospital.
One of the strongest messages from the study was the importance of meaningful work in recovery. Participants said work helped reduce boredom, created a positive daily routine, improved their mood, and gave them something to look forward to each day.
The researchers concluded that work could have significant therapeutic benefits for people living in secure hospitals. They also highlighted the importance of flexible, person-centred vocational programmes that allow individuals to develop skills, build confidence, and prepare for a more independent future.
Dr Joshua Ige, who led the research, said: “Meaningful work can play an important part in recovery by giving people structure, purpose and a sense of achievement. This study shows the value of offering flexible, person-centred opportunities that reflect everyone’s interests, abilities and aspirations, while helping them build confidence and prepare for life beyond hospital.”
The study, titled ‘An exploration into how people living in secure hospitals experience work’, provides new insight into how meaningful work can support recovery and rehabilitation in secure mental health settings. The link to the study can be found on the Sage Journals website.
