Rochdale pilots mental health support to help get unemployed ‘back on track’

Pam Hunt from Mencap with Bev Bramhall from Groundwork

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A new pilot project has started in Rochdale that aims to help unemployed people break down the barriers to employment.

Starting in April 2014, Groundwork and Royal Mencap Society are working in partnership to help fifty people with mild to moderate mental health conditions and/or a learning disability which prevents them from securing a job. The project is called ‘Back on Track’ and is supported by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group’s social investment fund.

The two charities are joining forces to test whether an intensive package of support can help Rochdale residents on long term sickness benefits overcome barriers and compete in the labour market.

Groundwork’s Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Beverley Bramhall, will offer one to one psychological therapies including CBT.

Berverley said: “Offering one to one psychological support to individuals will ultimately provide a therapeutic platform to make sense of irrational thoughts and behaviours. The aim is to break down such negative cycles into smaller parts so that they become more manageable. This will enable individuals to adopt the necessary tools to become much more autonomous in their decision making process, leading to better coping strategies and ongoing psychological and physical well-being, with the aim to get their lives back on track.”

Mencap support workers will develop person-centred outcome focused support plans with each individual as well as providing advice and information sessions.

Pam Hunt, Service Manager at Mencap, said: “There are many people who have a learning disability or mental health condition who want to and can gain meaningful employment. This initiative is an exciting opportunity for Mencap to work in conjunction with Groundwork to offer practical support to help people to gain employment.”

The support provided through Back on Track is in addition to the help already offered by Groundwork, Jobcentre Plus and Royal Mencap Society.

Groundwork are working with over 300 Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) benefit claimants in Rochdale to help them prepare for employment.

Royal Mencap Society are working with over 50 people in Rochdale with learning disabilities and mental health needs; supporting people to live independently within their community, make a positive contribution to society and achieve the things that are important to them.