As people across the globe are supporting ‘World Mental Health Day’ people across South Yorkshire living with long-term mental and physical health conditions are receiving tailored support to find and stay in employment thanks to a new experimental trial.
The pioneering Health-led Employment Trial launched this summer and has already seen more than a hundred GPs across the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System, sign up to support their patients.
Called Working Win, this randomised control trial is being funded by the Government’s Work and Health Unit and delivered in partnership with Sheffield City Region and local NHS partners. It is open to participants who are aged 18 or over, are registered with a GP in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw and who have a mental or physical health condition that they feel is a barrier to moving into employment or remaining in their current role. The trial is voluntary and will not affect the participant’s benefits status.
The day provides an opportunity for anyone working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
Sir Andrew Cash, chief executive of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System, said:
“I am so pleased that so many people are signing up to be a part of the Working Win trial. We know that being in steady employment offers so many benefits not only to a person’s physical and mental health, but their entire wellbeing and this initiative is exactly the kind of thing that will help us as a region achieve our goal of ensuring everyone in South Yorkshire has the support to be healthy and live well, for longer.
“Mental and physical health are intrinsically linked and with the support offered by schemes such as this, people have an increased network of support not only from health and care services but from employers too, meaning their chances of living a more positive, fulfilling life are greatly increased – with increased confidence, control over their circumstances and self-sufficiency to live well.
“We want our region to be a healthy, supportive place where people love to live, with the opportunities and chances they need to thrive, and I am proud that South Yorkshire is leading the way in so many things to improve our population’s overall wellbeing.”
The trial has already seen more than 50 successful job outcomes, and many more people are taking steps towards new careers through training and voluntary roles.
To find out more information about the Health-led Employment Trial you can speak to your GP or local health professional or contact the Health-led Employment Trial team by email on workingwin@syha.co.uk or by phone on 0114 2900218.