training and
work support
Steps to Work Partner - Southdown Supported Employment
Mental Health employment support service
The new West Sussex Vocational Service provided by Southdown Supported Employment in partnership with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is a free service open to people who are currently accessing Sussex Partnership Foundation Trusts Mental Health Teams (Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT)/Recovery Teams) or Early Intervention Services. Southdown offer's service users the support they need to achieve their individual employment goals.
Eligibility is based on individual's aspirations to secure paid employment and not subject to people receiving health related benefits or diagnosis.
The support offered is based on the principles of the Individual Placement and Support Approach. Visit Sainsbury's Centre for mental health for further details:
http://www.scmh.org.uk/employment/ips.aspx
Your employment specialist can offer you support in;
- Securing paid employment, part or full time in competitive work settings
- Finding suitable training opportunities as a stepping stone to achieving paid employment.
- Time Limited Voluntary Placements (to develop a recent and relevant employment record)
- Support with application forms, CVs, interview preparation, disclosure advice regarding people's mental health experiences relating to the work place.
- Job start support and follow up in work reviews
- Support to retain existing employment where a disability or health condition poses a serious risk to being able to retain employment.
Southdown Employment Specialists are integrated into CMHT / Recovery Teams and Early Intervention Teams across West Sussex and provide a one to one service to clients to explore employment aspirations.
Eligibility for the service
Be of working age, living in West Sussex and accessing a Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust CMHT / Recovery Team.
To access the free service:
Please contact your health or social care co-ordinator professional within your local Recovery team / CMHT) or Early Intervention team to complete a referral form.
For further details please contact us: Telephone: 01273 405822
Visit us at: southdownhousing.org/supported