New Employment Service Offers Support for Mental Health Struggles in Northumberland
On Tuesday 14 May, 2024, a new employment service opened in Northumberland, providing local residents who are struggling with their mental health the opportunity to work with an employment advisor.
The service is designed for those accessing support from NHS Northumberland Talking Therapies and aims to assist individuals with mental health issues in finding, staying in, or returning to work.
According to recent data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for 49% of all work-related ill health in 2022/231.
This new service brings together therapists and employment advisors, offering advice and guidance that takes into consideration how mental health difficulties can impact an individual’s work life or job search.
Derek Francis, Employment Advisor at the service, stated, “We offer people a wide range of support from CV development and interview practice, to help to speak to managers about mental health issues. We know that good employment can have many benefits for our mental health, and we want to help people feel confident to achieve their goals.”
Commissioned by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) and delivered by Mental Health Matters, who already provide the local talking therapy service, this new service is a crucial step in supporting individuals with mental health struggles in the Northumberland area.
Chloe Mann, Place Director for North Cumbria, Northumberland, and North Tyneside at CNTW, expressed her enthusiasm for the new service, saying, “We’re delighted to be able to offer employment support to more residents in Northumberland, helping more people pursue work and build careers. Having a job can be so important for mental health; it increases our self-worth, purpose, and belonging. Supporting people to stay in or gain employment is a crucial element of community mental health services. The new service will give people who are struggling with serious mental health problems more opportunity to recover.”
The service is available through self-referral to NHS Northumberland Talking Therapies. For more information and to self-refer for free support, please visit the service’s website: www.mhm.org.uk/talking-therapies-northumberland.
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
