Patients in Springfield Hospital’s secure units can now study for nationally-recognised qualifications, thanks to a new scheme.
The hospital in Tooting is offering English, maths and IT as part of a rehabilitation programme for those who committed crimes because of their mental illness.
Other classes are planned in employment skills, personal development, living skills and creativity, in the hope of improving their chances of employment.
The qualifications are run by the National Open College Network (NOCN) and allow patients to continue their studies after they leave.
The 73-bed service, run by South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust, provides a locked environment to assess, treat and rehabilitate patients.
Paul Stewart, lead occupational therapist, said: “This accreditation means we can do even more to help people reintegrate into the community.
“People with a mental illness face extra barriers in the job market because of the stigma attached to mental illness.
“Add to this an offending history and the prospect of getting a job can seem impossible.”
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