Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Innovation and collaboration in NHS Wales Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda University Health Board
Helping people with mental health problems to find and remain in work Bwrdd Iechyd Addysgu Powys
Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru
Powys Teaching Health Board
Public Health Wales
Ymddiriedolaeth GIG
evidence indicates that good work is I CAN Work is the first large-scale Ymddiriedolaeth Working to these same overarching principles, GwasanaethauThe Ambiwlans Cymru GIG Prifysgol Felindre Welsh Ambulance Services to health and wellbeing, and lack of pilot in Wales to test the integration of beneficial the I CAN Work pilot looked to adapt and test Velindre University NHS Trust NHS Trust employment support with health support work is detrimental to health and wellbeing. the IPS model in a locally relevant context in order to help people into employment. Unemployed people consult their GPs more and in line with the approach set out in the The service is led by Betsi Cadwaladr often than the general population, and those Together for Mental Health national strategy. University Health Board and delivered unemployed for more than 12 weeks show across North Wales by voluntary sector The service was quickly and successfully between four and ten times the prevalence of partners RCS and Adferiad Recovery, in integrated under the Health Board’s ‘I CAN’ depression and anxiety. For many with mental partnership with Welsh Government and brand, which describes and promotes a health needs, a job is an important part of DWP. person-centred approach to mental health recovery, but few receive tailored support provision across health and community to seek paid work. The I CAN Work project The pilot ran from June 2019 to June 2021, settings in the locality cluster. The service ensures that patients with mental health during which time it engaged and supported eligibility was also broadened to include over 800 people, with nearly a third of these people living with mild-to-moderate mental securing employment, despite the challenges health challenges, which meant that people presented by COVID-19. The service is now were able to access the service from a range Daniel, a 27 year old trained chef from moving into its second phase following of community settings. This embedding of I Prestatyn, experienced anxiety and low confirmation of continuation funding. CAN Work within a whole-system-approach mood from spending five months out to mental health support across community, I CAN Work is based on the principles of of work, after bullying in a previous job affected his mental health. His life took primary care and specialist services created the internationally recognised Individual a new turn when the jobcentre referred a framework for effective joint working and Placement and Support (IPS) employment him to support through RCS, where a provided a highly receptive environment for programme. The model has been shown dedicated I CAN Work employment the pilot. The positioning of I CAN Work as to help people find work more quickly than specialist helped him to find work a clinical routeway has been pivotal for its traditional employment support, with those with the catering team at Glan Clwyd success and has led to proactive engagement involved in the programme enjoying better Hospital. from BCUHB staff. health, staying in work for longer, and earning more per hour.
The key elements of IPS are: l Competitive employment is the primary goal
l Integration of employment and health support l Zero exclusion – eligibility is based on patient choice l Employment is promoted as a core part of recovery and wellbeing l Job search is rapid and not determined by work-readiness or illness l Job search is guided by individual preferences l There is systematic job development l Personalised planning/counselling l Support provided is time-unlimited including in work support
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Daniel said:
“My confidence and anxiety were shot after receiving a number of knock backs and I felt like giving up. But my I CAN Work employment specialist was amazing and helped to boost my self-esteem by sending me on a confidence boosting course. She was very proactive and understood what type of work would suit me, rather than pushing me towards any old job.”
