New Employment Service Offers Mental Health Support
Northumberland, UK – A new employment service aimed at providing support for individuals struggling with mental health issues has officially opened today. The service is available to those accessing support from NHS Northumberland Talking Therapies and is designed to help individuals find, stay in, or return to work.
According to recent data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress, depression, and anxiety accounted for nearly half of all work-related ill health in 2022/23. This new employment service aims to address this issue by bringing together therapists and employment advisors to provide understanding and guidance for those affected by mental health difficulties in the workplace.
Derek Francis, Employment Advisor at the service, explained the range of support available: “We offer people a wide range of support from CV development and interview practice, to help speaking 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.”
The service, commissioned by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), is delivered by Mental Health Matters, the same organization responsible for the local talking therapy service. Chloe Mann, Place Director for North Cumbria, Northumberland, and North Tyneside at CNTW, expressed her excitement for the new service: “We’re delighted to offer employment support to more residents in Northumberland, helping more people pursue work and build careers. Having a job can be crucial for mental health, increasing self-worth, purpose, and belonging. Supporting individuals to stay in or gain employment is a crucial element of community mental health services, and this new service will provide more opportunities for recovery.”
Those interested in accessing the service can do so via self-referral to NHS Northumberland Talking Therapies. For more information and to self-refer for free support, please visit the service’s website at www.mhm.org.uk/talking-therapies-northumberland.
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