Employment Support Service

Nationally as part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service (IAPT) which aims to improve access to evidence based talking therapies in the NHS for people with common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and provide support to help people to work. Pathways was commissioned by NHS North West to support 15 Primary Care Trusts to support as many people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, to work. At initial assessments patients of IAPT are asked
(a) Are you out of work and do you feel you would benefit from employment support
(b) Are you in work and do you feel you would like support to resolve any employment issues
Where a client answers yes, the employment service is discussed with the client and consent is gained to pass on information to Pathways CIC. The clients are then referred. Clients are appointed a case manager, who will undertake help individuals identify their work goal. Individuals are supported to access appropriate support to remove barriers to work e.g. debt advice, social support, relationship advice; liaison with appropriate health service eg GP, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies; liaison with appropriate internal departments e.g. Human Resources, Occupational Health, line manager. Once the individuals achieve their work goal Pathways keeps in contact with the individual for 26 weeks to ensure that if any work issues do arise these are dealt with swiftly.

OUTCOMES
Over the past 18 months through this model Pathways has been responsible for moving approximately 1800 people from benefits and back into employment and off sick pay back to work.

Helen Ruddock used both the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service and support to move back into employment said ‘the IAPT service provided invaluable support in helping me to manage the problems I had associated with poor mental health. As part of my recovery plan I received both therapy and employment support and it was this seamless package of support which enabled me to gain control over my life again and has moved me back into employment. ‘

Helen is now employed by Pathways to help other people in similar situations find their way back to work