Durham, UK – Starting today, patients accessing NHS Durham & Darlington Talking Therapies will now have the opportunity to work with an employment advisor. This new addition to the service aims to address the significant impact of unemployment on mental health, as reported by the Health Foundation in 2021, which found that 43% of unemployed individuals experience poor mental health.
The Durham & Darlington Employment Service brings together therapists and employment advisors to provide support to individuals in finding, maintaining, or returning to employment. The team offers a variety of services, including interview preparation, access to training, and assistance in communicating with employers about mental health concerns in the workplace.
Senior Employment Advisor Tracey Furlong expressed the team’s dedication to providing specialized and compassionate support to those struggling with mental health issues. “We understand how poor mental health can affect employment, and our goal is to help individuals feel confident and empowered to achieve their goals, whether it’s returning to work or making a career change.”
Greg Hawman, service manager for Durham & Darlington Talking Therapies, emphasized the positive impact of employment on mental health. “Finding employment and feeling supported in the workplace has numerous benefits, from giving us a sense of purpose to providing structure in our daily lives. The new employment advisors will greatly assist those suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression in obtaining the necessary support to start, maintain, and succeed in their careers.”
The service is commissioned by Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) and delivered by Mental Health Matters, a charity that helped over 3,400 individuals return to work, find employment, or access training and volunteering opportunities last year.
For more information on the Durham & Darlington Employment Service, please visit https://pressat.co.uk/.
