Eleven people discharged from the Shanghai Mental Health Center started work at a convenience store and a cafeteria yesterday as part of a novel rehabilitation process.

The 11 people are well on their way to recovery and the new jobs will help them integrate with society. They will either serve at tables or do clerical and bakery jobs at the All-day convenience store and the Jiuxiang cafeteria located close to the hospital.

The patients have been given a three-month training at the hospital's newly established rehabilitation center and can get 50-yuan (US$7.3) subsidy each day to cover their expenses at the center.

A patient, identified by his surname Lin, now works at the convenience store and is a proud and happy man. He is required to manage goods and keep the shop floor clean. "I help customers with their purchases. I feel I am useful now," he said.

Mental health experts said this is the nation's first rehabilitation center to help patients even after they leave hospital.

If the project succeeds, the center is expected to train 100 more people soon.