A SERVICE helping people in Worcestershire with mental health problems get back into work has been branded “exemplary”.

The Individual Placement Support service run by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust helps about 80 people find employment every year and is one of only four such schemes across the UK to be given the accolade.

The service was applauded following an inspection by the Centre for Mental Health in March, which also saw it re-accredited as a Centre of Excellence.

Inspectors looked at a range of elements of the service including the way it integrates into the trust as a whole and said it demonstrated “commitment to employment as a desired outcome and integral part of recovery for anyone who aspires to it”.

The scheme’s manager Pete Jordan said finding work could be difficult for people with mental health problems, but was achievable with help from professionals.

“Many of the people we work with have previously held down good jobs and then started to have mental health difficulties,” he said.

“What we do now is to have an employment worker based in each of our mental health teams.

“They work alongside the clinical staff to help rebuild people’s confidence and link people to potential employers, as many jobs are not actually advertised.”

For more information on the scheme call 01905 760 000 or visit www.hacw.nhs.uk.