Legal News

A service funded by Barnet Council and delivered by London charity Twining Enterprise has been commended as a Centre of Excellence.

The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme is delivered by London charity, Twining Enterprise, in partnership with Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust (BEH) teams.

The Centre of Excellence accreditation was awarded by The Centre for Mental Health, following a rigorous assessment process, which found the programme successfully demonstrated its approach in helping people with mental health conditions into work.

Barnet IPS joins just one other Centre of Excellence in London – and 14 other centres in the whole country. The Centre for Excellence status means Barnet’s partners can now share their learning with other areas of England.

Figures show that one in four people has a mental health problem during their lifetime – and more than 40% of people claiming Employment Support Allowance have a mental health problem.

However, despite the figures, until recently little attention has been paid to how to help people keep or regain employment.

The Barnet IPS service uses a tried and tested approach, which provides one-to-one support for residents and quick job searching from employment specialists within a goal of four weeks.

People have a session with a Twining Employment Specialist, alongside the health and social care provided within BEH teams.

Councillor Helena Hart, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said:

“We know that a lot of people with mental health problems want to find a job, but don’t know where to start.

“This scheme offers focused support to give individuals the help they need to get back into the work place – the status is a recognition of the work that we are doing to help turn people’s lives around.”

Chief Executive of Twining, Bob Kitchin, added:

“The recognition of the excellence of our service is great news for us and people we support in Barnet.

“Some of the most disadvantaged people in the labour market can be confident of the quality of employment support they receive from Twining and BEH Trust.

“I’m pleased for them and extremely proud of our team – this award is recognition of the fantastic work that they are doing in Barnet.”

Chief Executive of BEH NHS Trust, Maria Kane, said:

“We’re delighted to be recognised for supporting our service users who want to find a job – not only has employment been shown to improve self-esteem, it can also help recovery.

“In addition, employment increases activity, social interaction, identity and status – these factors have been proven to be beneficial for our physical health too.”

Nicholas is one person the scheme has worked – he was out of work for three years until he found support through the Barnet IPS service:

”I thought having a mental health condition would restrict me from choices and I had to take what I was given.

“My Employment Specialist has been a great help to me – giving me advice and guidance, but also the choice to make my own decisions.

“I think this has been the biggest factor, as I used to feel like choices were a luxury I didn’t have.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s leading provider of Legal Aid mental health services – and can advise mental health patients on their rights under the Mental Health Act, as well as access to NHS services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on issues such as treatment reviews, where appropriate.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our mental health lawyers are available at short notice for appointments at police stations and hospitals across the country.

For expert legal advice on UK mental health law, call Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors on 0333 772 0409.