Supporting individuals with severe and enduring mental illness to find and maintain employment
What is IPS?
- IPS is an evidence-based model of supported employment which helps people with mental health conditions into work and provides continued in-work support. IPS believes that with the right support, everyone has the potential to gain paid employment. Mental health diagnosis does not affect ability to work – the most important factor is willingness to work.
Evidence has shown that IPS clients were twice as likely to gain paid employment, than those without IPS support and that individuals who gained employment had reduced hospitalisation and recovery was promoted.
“Everyone with severe mental health challenges should be encouraged to think about the possibility of gaining and/ or maintaining a job. For those who want employment support they should have access to the best, evidence-based support to enable them to do so”
IPS is based on eight simple, evidence based principles
Benefits of IPS
- Employment can be key to recovery. Unemployment is strongly linked to the development of mental health problems. Suitable work can be good for your health.
- IPS achieves twice the rate of job outcomes for people with severe mental illness versus traditional employment support.
Who can be referred to IPS?
- To be referred to the IPS service, you must:
- Have a severe, complex or enduring mental health condition. This may include psychosis, bipolar disorder, personality disorder diagnosis, eating disorders, severe depression and severe anxiety.
- Want to gain, re-enter or retain paid employment
- The IPS service cannot work with you if:
- You have mild to moderate mental health conditions
- Only have physical health conditions
- Only want to look at voluntary work or education
How do I access the service?
Speak to your surgery and ask for a referral to be made.
Where can I find out more information?