Comparing the social networks of service users with long term mental health needs living in community with those in a general adult in-patient unit.

Background: Relationships are vital to recovery however, there is uncertainty whether users have different types of social networks in different mental health settings and how these networks may impact on users' wellbeing.

Aims: To compare the social networks of people with long-term mental illness in the community with those of people in a general adult in-patient unit.

Method: A sample of general adult in-patients with enduring mental health problems, aged between 18 and 65, was compared with a similar sample attending a general adult psychiatric clinic.