Do you, or someone you know, need help to find or keep a job?

The IPS supported employment service is now available in the Furness area, as well as the South Lakes,and the Bay areas (Lancaster and Morecambe). This NHS-funded (Integrated Care Board) initiative offers long-term (typically 12 to 18 months) face-to-face support to individuals aged 16+ who are struggling to secure or retain paid employment due to experiencing severe challenges with their mental health.

IPS can now take self-referrals from anyone or take referrals directly from GP surgeries, local charities, social enterprises, community groups, social services, other NHS primary care network service providers and any other professional or organisation.

IPS provides tailored person-centred assistance to support people find and retain meaningful paid employment when they are being severely impacted by their mental health. We only help someone to find employment that meets their specific individual preferences. IPS also helps with a wide range of support including CV writing, completing job applications, interview coaching, employer engagement, benefits advice, and time unlimited "in-work" support. Unlike other services, IPS is fully integrated with healthcare teams and has a strong evidence base. In addition to over 20 years of Randomised Controlled Testing showing IPS to be twice as effective as other supported employment programmes, IPS also helps more people into long term work that is sustained beyond two years. IPS is part of the NHS five-year forward view on Mental Health and is being rolled out by the NHS Integrated Care Board right across the UK. IPS is endorsed by the Social Exclusion Unit, promoted by the Centre for Mental Health, recommended by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, it is NICE Approved and at Blackpool Council they hold an ERSA Award as well as IPS Grow Awards for the quality of their service.

IPS aims to help individuals find meaningful paid work that aids their recovery and boosts their mental well-being. IPS is delivered by a growing team based across right South Cumbria, Lancaster & Morecambe and they provide long term support to those seeking their perfect paid job or those wishing to retain their current employment. They also help employers to navigate the challenges of supporting staff with disabilities, helping with things like the Equality Act, Reasonable Adjustments and Access to Work. If you think you can benefit from the IPS service or you know someone who could benefit, then please reach out to their team. Tel 07775 226914 or email grant.huck@blackpool.gov.uk.