Authors: (including presenting author): :
So YH (1), Ho ECM (1), Wong KK (1), Chan WH (1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Tai Po Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Vocational Rehabilitation
Keyword 2: :
Community Collaboration
Keyword 3: :
Mental Health Service
Keyword 4: :
Recovery model
Introduction: :
The Recovery Store program targets individuals with mental illness who struggle with work readiness and rebuilding confidence after hospitalization. Traditional vocational training usually lacks autonomy, peer support and real-life work experiences. This program fills that gap by incorporating different job posts in a supportive environment, allowing individuals to practice essential work skills while also focusing on functional recovery. Recovery and work skills are equally important and complement each other; recovery fosters the confidence needed for effective work, while skill development enhances overall well-being, promoting self-esteem and social integration to improve quality of life.
Objectives: :
To enhance patients’ (1) work readiness, (2) work skills, promote (3) stages of recovery and (4) employment status.
Methodology: :
This pilot study recruited 12 participants from the psychiatric day hospital at Tai Po Hospital from September 2025 to December 2025. The Recovery Store program spanned three months, combining: 1. Two psychoeducation sessions on recovery and work coping skills;
2. Daily vocational engagement in the “mini‑company” Recovery Store (clerk, shopkeeper, barista, waiter, packaging and cleansing worker);
3. Weekly peer support group for shared reflection and empowerment;
4. Three‑month job post‑training for continuity and work generalization. Participants underwent pre- and post-assessments using Chinese Lam Assessment of Stages of Employment Readiness (C-LASER) and Valpar Component Work Samples (VCWS) and Stages of Recovery Instrument-30 (STORI-30).
Result & Outcome: :
Among 12 participants, 7 completed the full 3‑month follow‑up. Quantitative results showed: - Work Readiness (C‑LASER): Readiness advanced from Contemplation to Action stage, with a 20% increase in planning ability and self‑efficacy.
- Work skills (VCWS): Performance improved by 11% in problem‑solving, 18% in manual dexterity, and 23% in physical coordination.
- Recovery (STORI‑30): All participants progressed to a higher recovery stage, with most (57%) advancing by two stages — from Moratorium or Awareness to Rebuilding or Growth.
- Referral Outcomes: 71% participants successfully referred to supported employment or community programs. The Recovery Store program demonstrated significantly positive outcomes in enhancing work readiness, work skills and recovery for individuals with mental health challenges. Unlike conventional vocational training, which often focuses solely on skill-building, this program integrates recovery principles, empowering participants through peer support and real-world work experiences. Its success highlights the importance of holistic approaches in fostering personal growth, functional recovery and community integration. Furthermore, the program's outcomes emphasize the need for ongoing collaboration with community employers to ensure sustainable job placements and support systems, ultimately enhancing the recovery-to-work continuum for participants.
