Celebrating success in our Individual Placement and Support services | News

Our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services have had a successful year - placing 188 people in employment, across our five boroughs.

Through IPS we enable individuals with diverse abilities to find meaningful employment in the competitive job market. This is not only about securing a salary but about empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, gain financial independence, and become active contributors to society.

One of our core aims for IPS services at the North London Mental Health Partnership is to foster inclusivity, independence, and dignity for all members of our community. We believe that every individual possesses unique talents and abilities that, when nurtured, can contribute to a more vibrant and thriving community. It is with this steadfast commitment in mind that we have embraced the IPS services as a cornerstone of our work. 
We are working with Twining Enterprise, the Working Well Trust and Hillside, to deliver these services across our five boroughs of north London.

Success Stories:

• Gloria had found herself in a dark place with her mental health but made the brave move to help herself, calling upon the assistance of people she knew could support her back to health – her Health Coordinator, her family and an IPS Employment Specialist. With the Employment Specialist’s support and guidance with updating her CV, finding interview-ready clothes and job applications, Gloria secured a job as a trainer at a local college. Gloria said: “If it wasn’t for support from the Employment Specialist, Health Coordinator, my family, and a little faith, I would not have made it here.”
• Adalene had been struggling to find work after several years of battling schizophrenia with psychosis, but with the dedicated help of an IPS Employment Specialist, she found new energy injected into her job search.  Adalene said: “The Employment Specialist gave feedback and expert advice on my CV, has been my sounding board and has always been helpful. They found new opportunities including ones that I would not have considered before. They have improved my abilities to write cover letters.  When I have had interviews, my Employment Specialist gave me the opportunity to practise my interview answers with them beforehand. I have now been shortlisted for jobs that were highly competitive. I feel hopeful that employment is just around the corner.”

Statistics:

Behind these inspiring stories in our IPS programme are the following statistics:

• Over the past year, the services have successfully placed 188 people in competitive employment, providing them with opportunities for growth and financial independence
• The average job retention rate for IPS participants is more than 65.5%, highlighting the long-term impact of IPS services on their lives and our community
• The services have collaborated with 163 local businesses that have embraced inclusive hiring practices, further strengthening our community's commitment to diversity and inclusion.