Employment Support for people with physical and mental health conditions

Cheshire West and Chester Council is joining with the local NHS to provide employment support for people with physical and mental health conditions.

The Employment Directions service supports adults with a physical or mental health condition to find a job, manage a health condition in work, or return to work after a period off sick.

Employment Directions can give people support for up to 12 months to access a good-quality job and thrive in work. A GP, pharmacist, mental health service or other primary care provider can refer people they have seen within the last 90 days, or people can refer themselves.

Employment Directions can offer support including:

• Regular one-to-one appointments with an employment specialist to help find work, continue working, or manage a health condition at work.
• Help with job applications, CVs, and interview skills, to find a job that suits skills and employment goals.
• Help with talking to an employer about needs at work, and support in work with your role if needed.
• Support with better off in work calculations. This includes guidance with finding support for housing and debt advice and much more.

Employment Directions is part of the Government’s Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) initiative and is funded by grants from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). There are 12 areas, across 41 Local Authorities in England, taking part in the IPSPC initiative, including Cheshire West and Chester.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“The barriers that people face to getting into and staying in work are not their fault, and I’m proud that Cheshire West and Chester Council is providing support to people with the Employment Directions service.

“Employment Directions is designed to help people overcome the barriers they face and help them into good quality jobs and stay in work. It is part of the Council’s vision for an Inclusive Economy, helping everyone to contribute and benefit from their local economy and ensure that no-one is left behind.”

For more information on referrals to Employment Directions:

Website: 

Employment support for adults with physical or mental health conditions | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Email: 

IPS@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk