Employment advice for people receiving mental health support announced

The government has announced £122 million of funding to provide employment advisers to people with common mental health problems including stress, anxiety and depression.

The money will be used to roll out a NHS England service across the country, which aims to help people receiving mental health support to stay in work or return to the job market.

Therapists and employment advisers will work together to find people work tailored to them.

The scheme is already in place in 40 per cent of the country and is set to be expanded with the recruitment and training of around 700 employment advisers. It is hoped that 100,000 people a year will be able to benefit from the service.

Department of Work and Pensions Secretary of State, Chloe Smith said: "On World Mental Health Day, it is important to recognise the virtuous circle between health and work – we know that giving people the support they need to work is very good for their long term health.

"The Government’s growth-focused agenda will deliver jobs, higher wages and greater opportunities – and I am delighted that people who have faced barriers to entering the workforce due to poor mental health will now be able to access support across England.

"Helping people access both clinical support for their mental health as well as employment advice gives them the tools they need to get into or return to work. This is vital to helping drive down inactivity and growing our economy so we can deliver more money and support for public services such as these."

Health and Social Care Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, Thérèse Coffey, said: "Good physical health and mental wellbeing of the nation is also good for the economic health of the nation and this government is committed to supporting those not working due to ill health.

"Giving people receiving mental wellbeing support access to an employment adviser will help them start, stay, and succeed in work – improving their wellbeing and resilience as well as growing our economy."

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