Social inclusion and mental health

Social inclusion is a leading concept in mental health practice. Multiple definitions exist and it is often assumed that full participation is required to achieve full inclusion. Challenging this assumption is the notion of 'middle-ground', a personally defined position where an individual feels socially included regardless of his or her physical involvement in the community. Occupational therapists can address this area of inquiry by recognising an alternative to the polar extremes of social inclusion. A practical tool is provided, which views social inclusion as a multidimensional system and promotes reflection on what it really means to be socially included.