Researchers have been looking at how unemployment affects mental health since the Great Depression of the 1930s, if not earlier. This body of research has shown that becoming unemployed has a negative impact on mental health. Also, people with mental health problems are more likely than others to become unemployed.

Employment Support is a DWP/NHS funded initiative to provide employment support, information, advice and guidance to clients accessing Talking Therapies treatment plans and who are either in work, in work whilst on sickness leave or unemployed.

It is widely accepted that work is generally good for mental health – including for people with mental health conditions. It is also established that the longer people are absent or out of work, the more likely they are to experience depression and anxiety.

Patients receive psychological therapy through Talking Therapies which is complemented by employment support services, designed to deal specifically with the work-related problems the patient is experiencing. Employment Advisors will provide practical advice and relevant support to assist patients to retain employment and, if off work sick, to help them return to attending work and if unemployed to secure suitable employment.

Types of support available:

 

• Identifying relevant job opportunities online/ CV writing/interview techniques etc.
• Support to complete application forms effectively (written and online)
• Problem solving relative issues, for example, difficulty in providing previous employer references
• How to positively explain negating possible work absences
• Problem-solving for any other issues which may reduce chance of securing or maintaining employment, for example criminal records, health issues etc.
• Support patient to identify relevant job vacancies and training opportunities online.

Many patients, particularly those claiming benefits relative to their ill health, may be reluctant to make a direct move into employment and may want to try out a place of work to see how this goes without affecting benefit payments and/or making a commitment to permanent work straight away.

Patients will receive support to raise financial confidence in returning to work (if applicable). For example, Better Off Calculations (BOC) with Employment Advisors liaising with local Job Centre Plus for benefits advice.

We can provide patients with help for mental health and wellbeing, and support to help guide people to the next steps.

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