June 16, 2021
Job help needed in path for mental illness
A Northland kaupapa Māori service provider is out to find jobs for people recovering from mental illness.
Vocational lead Richard Bell says Te Mana Oranga Trust, with support from the Ministry of Social Development and Northland District Health Board, will run the individual placement support programme which integrates vocational and health services.
Four specialist employment coaches who work collaboratively with primary health, community mental health teams to support more people into jobs across the region.
He says it’s the first time the IPS model has been implemented in the region, and there will be a wider benefit from having more whānau in employment and more money coming into the homes of people who have experienced mental illness.
The Northland DHB Mental Health and Addictions Service will also build employment support into the broader treatment plans for people, recognising that work is a key factor in their recovery journey.
People with mental health conditions are three times more likely to be unemployed, and labour force disadvantage is even more significant for Māori people.
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