Mental health charity Mind has responded to a report about Jobcentre Plus, saying it is concerning that soon Work Coaches in Jobcentres will become the only source of support for thousands of people with mental health problems who are currently out of work.
Head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind, Vicki Nash, commented on changes being introduced at job centres, which were highlighted in a report.
“We welcome this report, which has helped to draw attention to the many problems within Jobcentres,” she said.
“Many of the concerns highlighted echo our own – it’s concerning that Work Coaches in Jobcentres will soon become the only source of support for the thousands of people with mental health problems, who are currently out of work.
“People with mental health problems rarely have good relationships with their Work Coaches – in large, part due to the prospect of being punished if they’re unable to do what their Work Coach asks of them.
“Threatening to cut people’s benefits often makes them even more anxious and unwell – and pushes them further away from work.”
Ms Nash said that many people found it difficult to talk about how their mental health affected them, even with those closest to them or who know them best, like friends, family or healthcare professionals.
She added that it was “hardly surprising” that many people were not able to speak openly and candidly about their mental health with someone they barely knew, in a short space of time, in a busy open-plan Jobcentre, with the threat of having their benefits cut “looming” over them.
“If the government is serious about encouraging Work Coaches to develop positive and trusting relationships with people with mental health problems, then it needs to make that relationship voluntary by removing the suspicion and sanctions that currently lie at its heart,” she added.
“We hear time and time again how people dread spending time at the Jobcentre – the current approach to back-to-work support is cruel, inappropriate and doesn’t help people back into employment.”
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.
Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.