NHS helps thousands of people in the Midlands with mental health problems back into work
World Mental Health Day on 10 October will focus on workplace mental health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.
From April to June this year 4,350 people have been helped back into work in the Midlands. The figures come alongside a campaign urging more people to sign-up for help they might need through the NHS Talking Therapies service.
As part of a pilot programme, currently 40,000 people across the country are being linked up with employment advisers to support them back into work.
The service is set to grow in the next five years. 13,948 patients are predicted to use the service in the Midlands, as well as 73,360 in England in 2028/29.
Once individuals are signed up to the service, the NHS ensures that employment advisers are on hand to offer help with writing CVs, setting career goals, and giving them the confidence to apply for vacancies.
The service also offers intensive and tailored support to help people to choose and find the right job.
Those using the service will also receive ongoing support from the employer and employee, to help ensure the individual can keep their job.
Employment and mental health are closely linked, and research shows employment support from an adviser, alongside therapy, can help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
By March next year, every person accessing NHS Talking Therapies will be offered the chance to benefit from employment advice.
Andy who accessed Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s Future’s Positive Individual Placement Service (IPS) said: “When I first started working with the employment service, I wasn’t in a good place with my mental health. I experienced a lot of anxiety, poor confidence and self-worth. My job also contributed to my poor mental health, so I had to look for a new one.
“My Employment Specialist Ayshea help me to identify and explore my options, based on my skills and previous work experience. A professional cv was created, which demonstrated my skills, experience and boosted my confidence.
“Ayshea’s support was constant as I started applying for suitable jobs. I was offered an interview which I was very pleased about, but also very anxious. It was my first interview in 15 years! After the interview I was so proud to be offered the job.
“My new job has been life changing for me. But I have had the support to manage the change, and without it I may not have had the confidence or energy to accomplish this. I would recommend the service to people who need help with employment.”
Giles Tinsley, Programme Director for Mental Health at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “People struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression in the Midlands, need to know that they shouldn’t suffer in silence and that there is help available for them.
“The NHS Talking Therapies Service offers free, confidential advice by trained professionals and you can be referred by a GP, or you can refer yourself online if you prefer.
“If your mental health is suffering, it can have a huge impact on your work, family and social life. Making sure we have that support available 24/7 for people who need it is crucial for people’s wellbeing.”
A full list of mental health support options including NHS Talking Therapies, is available via the NHS website. The service is also suitable for deaf people, with tailored services available via the NHS 111 website.