The Access to Work Mental Health Support Service. Susannah Robertson-Hart Remploy Vocational Rehabilitation Services 18 th November 2013

Transcription

1 The Access to Work Mental Health Support Service Susannah Robertson-Hart Remploy Vocational Rehabilitation Services 18 th November 2013

2 Background Access to Work provision (Jobcentre Plus) Available nationally across seven contract regions No financial contribution required from employers 3 year contract - launched December 2011 Helped over 1500 individuals with a range of mental health conditions Aim: to support employees with mental health conditions to retain their employment. Emphasis on wellbeing and productivity at work Delivered by Remploy s Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants (VRCs) 150+ referrals received per month capacity for more 2

3 Eligibility Individuals must: be in paid employment (including self employment) AND have a health condition or disability covered by the Equality Act, i.e. it has a substantial and long term negative effect on ability to do normal day to day activities Access to Work determine eligibility N.B the mental wellbeing issue may not be the primary health condition 3

4 Caseload Profile 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 4

5 Referral process Application must go via Access to Work Customers / third parties can contact Remploy to gain support with application to Access to Work: ; rvrs@remploy.co.uk (see initial referral form) Initial phone call to commence application Forms posted to customer for signature and return to ATW Eligibility and suitability for MHSS determined by ATW adviser Appropriate referrals made to Remploy Support initiated with customer within 1 working day of receipt of referral by Remploy Individuals can also self refer directly (see literature) 5

6 What does the support look like? Up to 6 months work based support Dedicated VRC throughout support period At least three face to face meetings plus telephone and case management Choice regarding employer involvement Assessment of individual s role and specific workplace difficulties related to mental health development of a Support Plan Signposting Exit Report Workplace wellbeing and self esteem assessments 6

7 Possible interventions... The support is completely tailored to the individual s needs and could include interventions such as: practical workplace coping strategies employer education / guidance around mental health (with individual s consent) planning and implementing return to work advice on redeployment into a more suitable role negotiating and agreeing adjustments / accommodations sign posting to internal support / external organisations attendance at internal meetings, e.g. Occupational Health, HR, line manager 7

8 Key findings so far 91% success rate for customers who have completed the 6 month support period Over 60% of referrals are from individuals with Depression or Anxiety, but less common conditions also covered Consistent outcomes observed across mental health conditions, regions, comorbidities, age and ethnicity More research needed on factors impacting Case Manager effectiveness 8

9 A Case Study Background: Julie anxiety, depression & arthritis Income Officer for tenant management company Referred to MHSS due to: Feeling very low, Feeling undervalued at work Missing targets and deadlines due to issues with memory, concentration and organisation as a result of her mental health conditions. Absent from work and at risk of losing her job 9

10 A Case Study Contd. The support: Support developing a Graduated Return to Work Plan Coping strategies to assist organisation and memory Suggestions to improve confidence and sense of value Employer engagement Signposting to additional mental health support 10

11 Case Study Contd. Outcomes: Returned to work Utilising a range of work based coping strategies Increased level of confidence and feeling of value Improved relationship with line manager Improved productivity Increased perceptions of workplace wellbeing and self esteem 11

12 Feedback... 12

13 Next steps Request literature to promote service Arrange a meeting / phone call with Remploy to gain further information / discuss use of the service Part of HR / manager s toolkits Incorporate within existing services 13

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15 Contact Details Susannah Robertson-Hart Claire Wornham-Fellows