The NHS Durham & Darlington Talking Therapies has announced a new partnership with employment advisors to provide comprehensive support to individuals struggling with mental health issues. The Health Foundation (2021) reported that 43% of unemployed individuals experience poor mental health, highlighting the need for this initiative.
As of today (15 January), individuals accessing the NHS Durham & Darlington Talking Therapies will have the opportunity to work with employment advisors who will assist in finding, retaining, or returning to work. This joint effort aims to address the negative impact of unemployment on mental health and help individuals achieve their goals.
The employment advisors will work alongside therapists from the Talking Therapies service, which offers support to individuals in County Durham and Darlington dealing with common mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression. They will provide a range of services including interview practice, access to training, and support in discussing mental health issues with employers.
Tracey Furlong, Senior Employment Advisor for the service, expressed her team’s dedication to providing specialized and compassionate support to individuals struggling with mental health issues. She stated, “We understand how poor mental health can impact employment and we aim to help people feel confident and empowered to achieve their goals, whether it’s to go back to work or completely change career.”
Greg Hawman, service manager for Durham & Darlington Talking Therapies, also expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership. He highlighted the positive effects of employment on mental health, stating, “Finding employment and feeling supported in the workplace has many benefits for our mental health, from giving us a sense of purpose to introducing structure into our daily lives.” He believes that the new employment advisors will greatly benefit individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression by providing them with the necessary support to succeed in their jobs.
This initiative is commissioned by Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) and delivered by Mental Health Matters, an organization that helped over 3,400 people find employment, return to work, or access training and volunteering opportunities last year. This partnership between NHS Talking Therapies and employment advisors is expected to have a significant positive impact on the mental health and well-being of individuals in County Durham and Darlington.
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