CHESHIRE West and Chester Council and New Leaf are offering innovative, tailored support to help people from the area with long-term mental health conditions into employment.

The new Individual Placement Support service (IPS) will be delivered as part of the New Leaf project, which brings together a diverse range of organisations from across Cheshire and Warrington to help and support those who have previously found securing and sustaining a job difficult.

According to the Trades Union Congress, over 45 per cent of people with a long-term mental health condition are currently out of work.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is designed to help change this. IPS is an evidence-based approach which provides one-to-one support to people with long-term mental health conditions.

Not only do the services find residents employment but they also work with an individual’s employer to support them in maintaining work long-term.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, which already supports New Leaf by providing one-to-one mentoring and bespoke training to help people get closer to work, will be offering specialised support to people with mental health-related barriers to help them get into work.

The council will also be working with employers in the local community to help New Leaf participants remain happy and healthy in the work place.

Andy Rawlins, project manager for New Leaf, said: “We believe that everyone should have the same opportunities to work, regardless of the history, disability or experience. Cheshire West and Chester Council will benefit even more people from across the region.”

Councillor Brian Clarke, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “We are excited to start delivering an IPS service in the borough. We’re keen to build on the experience and knowledge that we have developed through our Local Supported Employment Service.

"This project allows us to work with even more of our residents to improve lives and ensure that people can thrive within Cheshire West and Chester. We expect to build on the success that we have had to date within the New Leaf partnership and continue to be a good provider.”

New Leaf is a £10.6 million scheme led by Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT). It is part of the Building Better Opportunities programme funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery, through the Big Lottery Fund.

The programme has already helped get over 1,800 people from across Warrington and Cheshire closer to paid work.

If you, or someone you know, has a long-term mental health condition and looking to get into work, or you are an employer who wants to make a difference to someone’s life, get in touch with Lisa Breakspear on 07795 685180 or lisa.breakspear@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.