preparing to work again

by Sally Burningham

A print shop serving the public and local businesses in Brentwood is one of a number of work preparation training schemes run by Rethink (formerly the National Schizophrenia Fellowship) in South Essex. It is part of their supported employment service for people with severe and long-term mental health problems. 'One of the advantages of schemes like this is that customers have no idea whether they are dealing with mental health users, paid staff or volunteers since trainees carry out all the normal tasks', explains Gary Turner, Rethink manager for Essex services. 'It is a very good way to overcome the stigma surrounding people with mental health problems and raise their self esteem.'

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Other work preparation schemes include a garden and pet supplies shop at Basildon, a garden project at Grays, which also offers gardening services to local residents, and a new pet supplies shop at Hadleigh with a factory doing piece work for local companies. 'All our services have accredited training schemes', Gary adds. 'It helps us focus on specific skills and gives people a sense of achievement.' Training is on an individual basis as everyone's needs and capabilities vary. 'Quite often people discover talents that they never suspected they possessed.'

Of course it is important to remember that many people with shorter-term mental health problems or those that are less disabling continue to work or simply take a short break.

building up confidence

One of the aims of the work preparation schemes is to build up people's confidence and stamina within a safe environment. 'When people have not worked for a number of years it can take them some time to get back into the discipline of working a full day, with structured breaks and working as part of a team. We want to help them learn or relearn skills and habits that will be useful in any work situation', he asserts.

Staff at the schemes often notice a change in trainees over a period of time. They may begin to look people in the eye rather than down at their feet when they are talking to them and they may start to chat and joke together in tea breaks, rather than sitting separately. 'Once people start to feel better about themselves they have really turned the corner', Gary asserts.

regular support

Sandra is one of the Rethink employment team leaders and coordinators in South Essex. Her role is to support people referred by the Community Mental Health Teams who want to return to work. 'As a first stage we spend time talking to the person concerned about their past experiences and their present aims and identifying their skills, abilities and interests', she explains.

Since it is important to build up a relationship of trust there may be as many as four meetings over the space of four weeks. 'People have often become disempowered, partly because of their own problems and partly because of other people's attitudes. It can take time for them to realise that they do have choices. We want to help them find what is right for them at that particular time.'

Of course each person will have different goals. Some people may be thinking in terms of returning to full or part-time paid employment, and others to long-term voluntary work or vocational training. 'However, very few people who have had long-term problems feel ready to go straight back to work', she notes. 'We might help them find a short course to brush up their skills or learn new ones or they may join one of our work preparation schemes, usually for a period of between three to nine months, depending on their needs.'

Regular support will be given throughout this period and in assisting the person to find paid or voluntary work, once they feel ready. 'We can help in practical ways such as advising on CVs and job applications and practising interview skills', she points out. 'Sometimes we contact an employer direct and arrange an interview but very often, when the person is ready they will go off and find their own job, she says. However, whatever the case, they are still on hand to offer support, particularly in those early months of employment. 'We are well aware the people's energy and confidence sometimes dip after the first feelings of euphoria at being back in work.'

Gary believes that one of the keys to their success in getting people back into employment is the strong links they have fostered with a wide range of individuals and organisations. These include further education and adult education colleges, voluntary organisations, councils for voluntary service, the Benefits Agency, Disability Employment Advisers at job centres and not least, of course, local employers. 'Everyone's needs are different and we tap into whatever sources we can to help.'

help and info

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To find out more about returning to work check out our features employment – know your rights and Mike gets back to work.

organisations

National Association for Supported Employment
22 Marsh Green Road
Marsh Barton
Exeter EX2 8PQ
Tel: 01752 306640
E-mail: nase@plymouth.gov.uk
Website: www.nase-org.co.uk
The association's aim is to provide an authoritative, influential and unified voice on behalf of all organisations, managers and officers, whether in the voluntary sector or Local Authorities, involved in the delivery of the Supported Employment Programme.

National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland)
130 East Claremont Street
Edinburgh EH7 4LB
Tel: 0131 557 8969
E-mail: info@nsfscot.org.uk
Website: www.nsfscot.org.uk
NSF (Scotland) is a member-ed organisation that works to improve the well being and quality of life of those affected by schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, including families and carers. Provides community-based services, information/education and promotes greater understanding of schizophrenia.

Oakleaf Enterprise
101 Walnut Tree Close
Guildford GU1 4UQ
Tel: 01483 303649
E-mail: info@oakleaf-enterprise.org
Website: www.oakleaf-enterprise.org
Supports people with mental health problems by offering a range of occupational activities, which encourage the development of interpersonal, practical and academic skills. Offers training and support in IT, printing, administration, upholstery, catering, commercial packing and gardening.

Rethink
30 Tabernacle Street
London EC2A 4DD
Tel: 0845 456 0455 (general enquiries) (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
National Advice Line: 020 8974 6814 (Mon-Fri 10am-3pm)
E-mail: advice@rethink.org
Websites: www.rethink.org or www.rethink.org/at-ease (for young people)
Dedicated to improving the lives of anyone affected by severe mental illness, by providing information, advice and advocacy services, raising awareness of mental health issues, and challenging the attitudes that create stigma. Website has sections on employment, money, benefits and legal rights.

websites

Department for Work and Pensions
www.dss.gov.uk
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is a new Department responsible for employment, equality, benefits, pensions and child support. The website has a range of benefit information and advice for those of working age, to help them to achieve financial independence.

National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
The Citizens Advice Bureau service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice, on topics such as debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters, employment, and immigration. This website contains details of local CAB centres, and a link to the CAB Advice Guide information website.

New Deal for Disabled People
www.newdeal.gov.uk
The New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) is piloting a range of initiatives to help disabled people and those with long-term illness into work and training through the Government's Welfare to Work approach.

reading

Mental Health in the Workplace: Tackling the effects of stress by Dr Penny Gray (Mental Health Foundation, 2000)
This booklet reviews the effects of stress at work, and those factors in the workplace that can cause or contribute to stress. It addresses the ways in which employers can help to create a psychologically healthy work environment, in which the effects of stress are minimised and managed, and employees are supported in using and developing their abilities and potential; and it looks at the recruitment and retention of those experiencing mental health problems.
Free to read on Mental Health Foundation's website www.mhf.org.uk

Mind Guide to Surviving Working Life by Alison Cobb (Mind, 2000)
Those who lose their jobs through mental distress can face a hostile world when they return to work. Having a job to go to can positively help recovery, but work stress is now more of an issue than ever. This booklet gives practical tips and sources of advice on staying well at work.
For details on how to order, please see www.mind.org.uk

(October 2001,resources updated January 2005)