Suffolk Mind expands employment service for people with mental health challenges

Suffolk Mind has expanded its Suffolk Work Well (SWW) service to help more people with mental health challenges gain or retain employment.

SWW launched in Felixstowe and Ipswich in March 2019 but will now also operate from Saxmundham. To celebrate the launch, we’re hosting a Suffolk’s Needs Met session on Monday 25th November for local interested parties including health professionals, local business HR representatives, an East Suffolk Council representative and Action Community Trust Connect 4 Health staff.

Suffolk Work Well is a free service providing back-to-work support, one-to-one sessions with a dedicated Case Worker and better in-work support through a Personal Wellbeing Plan. The programme is tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of the individual and enables people to understand their emotional needs in order to stay well.

Almost one in three people have experienced mental health problems while in employment, and mental ill-health is the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK.

Tony Wooderson, Suffolk Work Well Co-ordinator, said: “The Suffolk Work Well service was originally set up following a grant from the Big Lottery fund in Ipswich and Felixstowe. However, a need for the service was identified in Saxmundham and the surrounding areas so we successfully sought further funding from the Local Enterprise Partnership to expand.

“So far we have helped in excess of 60 people, most of whom have reported improved wellbeing enabling them to gain employment, access courses or retain their employment.

“Suffolk Work Well is a special service which supports the client even once they gain employment and where appropriate liaise with employers to facilitate workplace wellbeing too. We all have emotional needs that must be met in order to avoid stress and stay mentally well. Going to work is an effective way of meeting needs for achievement, status, community and attention – as long as the workplace environment is a good one.

“By helping people to gain and retain employment, we are helping them to meet their emotional needs and, hopefully, stay well.”

To self-refer or for more information click here. Your Jobcentre, your HR Team, Health Professional, Support Worker, Care Coordinator or Psychiatrist who also refer and/or email the service suffolkworkwell@suffolkmind.org.uk to gain further information and advice.