Working in partnership to put employment on the mental health agenda: championing careers in Individual Placement and Support

At Think Ahead, we have long advocated for social approaches to mental health treatment. That means understanding and treating the social determinants that affect the individual – things like employment, physical health, relationships, and housing. Without addressing social issues that cause mental ill health, the medical or psychological models will always fall short.

With a number of government initiatives introduced aimed at reducing unemployment, we wanted to talk about how employment intersects with mental health. Employment has a huge impact on mental health.  There’s the financial impact, but good work can bring other benefits such as routine, socialisation, and a sense of purpose.

Many people with mental health conditions want to work, but without the right support, entering or re-entering the workforce can be a challenge. Only 8-15% of people with a severe mental illness are in employment. Supporting people into work is a high priority for the government, but it must be done right.

Since 2023, we’ve been working with IPS Grow, hosted by Social Finance, who support the expansion of Individual Placement and Support Services across England.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an employment support model that helps people with severe mental illness who want to find work and remain in good-quality employment. IPS is characterised by tailored support; it’s about finding employment aligned with the individual’s goals and values, and it works quickly.

The social approach is about treating an individual’s whole life circumstances. And good employment is a key intervention that can support mental health recovery. IPS is proven to be twice as effective as other employment support models, and people who receive this support are more likely to stay in employment. Employment Specialists working in IPS Services are embedded in mental health teams. They build relationships with the people they support, take the time to understand their goals and values, and collaborate with health professionals to find people sustainable work. It is a truly person-centred, holistic intervention.

We’re proud to work with IPS Grow to increase awareness of a model that leads to better outcomes for people with mental health needs. Through our partnership, we’ve strengthened recruitment efforts and increased the profile of IPS to policymakers and sector leaders.

Want to get involved? 

In March, Think Ahead will be supporting IPS Grow to deliver a series of webinars, demystifying the role of employment specialists. Employment specialists can come from any background, and you don’t need to have mental health experience. You’ll build meaningful relationships, support people towards their goals and work closely with treatment teams and employers. There is plenty of support and training available, and opportunities for career progression. It’s a dynamic, rewarding role, and a great way to join the mental health workforce and make a difference.

To learn more about the role, and hear from employment specialists and the people they’ve supported, sign up here.