IPS – Work Your Way

Individual placement and support (IPS) – Employment support in North East Essex 

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Apply for Individual Placement and Support

To get started, complete the IPS Work Your Way referral form.

After you’ve submitted the form, the team will contact you to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have.

The form is hosted on the Get Set UK website.

Apply here

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What is the IPS Service?

IPS (Individual Placement and Support) is a proven, person-centred approach to employment support for people living with mental health challenges.

It’s designed to help you:

  • move towards paid work that reflects your interests, strengths and goals

  • explore employment at your own pace, without pressure

  • receive one-to-one, ongoing support, including once you’re in work

You don’t need to be ‘job-ready’, and you won’t be pushed to apply for roles that don’t feel right for you. The support is shaped around what matters to you and your mental health.

To access IPS, you’ll need to complete a referral form, usually with support from your clinician or mental health team.

IPS Work Your Way is a new employment support service delivered by Get Set UK, on behalf of Essex County Council, as part of the NHS Individual Placement and Support programme in North East Essex.

Living with a mental health condition doesn’t mean giving up on work.

At Mid and North East Essex Mind, we support people to move towards employment in a way that feels right for them. Through IPS (Individual Placement and Support), we can help you explore work, find paid employment, and stay in work, with your mental health and wellbeing at the centre.

This service is free and available to eligible adults in North East Essex.

How we can help you

Career advice & job search support

  • Explore your skills, strengths and interests

  • Get started with your job search when you’re ready

  • Support with CVs, applications and interview preparation

  • Access real, paid employment opportunities

  • In-work support to help you settle into a new role

Advice on earnings and benefits

  • Understand how work may affect your benefits

  • Get clear, practical advice on pay and income

  • Support to explore in-work benefits and financial help

  • Make informed choices about work and money

  • Feel more confident managing your finances

Support that puts your wellbeing first

  • Joined-up working with your mental health team

  • A focus on your wellbeing and recovery

  • Ongoing support once you start work

  • Guidance to manage challenges as they arise

  • Support to help you stay well in your role

Who is the service for?

You may be able to access this support if you:

  • are aged 18 or over

  • live in North East Essex

  • are currently supported by a secondary mental health service

  • want to explore work now or in the future

You don’t need recent work experience or qualifications to take part.

What Do We Mean by Secondary Mental Health Care?

 

If someone’s mental health support is managed solely by their GP this would be primary care. Therefore if you are supported by secondary services

This includes individuals supported by specialist or community-based secondary services such as:

  • Specialist  Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs)
  • Early Intervention in Psychosis Teams (EIP)
  • Herrick House
  • Reunion House
  • Holmer Court 
  • Other specialist secondary care teams

IPS Work Your Way

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