Our Into Work programme wins ‘Project of the Year’ award
Mental Health UK’s Into Work’ employment service has been awarded the ‘Project of the Year’ award at the Vocational Rehabilitation Awards.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Association is a multi-disciplinary UK-wide organisation supporting and promoting all those working in vocational rehabilitation and commissioning services whether in the public, private, voluntary or third sector.
At their VRA Awards ceremony, hosted on 5 December 2023, Mental Health UK’s ‘Into Work’ programme was named ‘Project of the Year’.
Into Work programme is our holistic employment service. Supported by funding through our partnership with Bank of America, the service is currently operating in three locations: Gravesend, Harrow and Wrexham, where our employment specialists work alongside job centres, charities, businesses and individuals to provide person-centred support that helps people living with mental health conditions back into employment.
With the programme being less than a year old this is a huge achievement for the team and a reflection of the work they do to support the clients they work with. Our team commented:
– Tom O'Connor, Head of Programmes, Mental Health UK"We're delighted that Into Work has won Project of the Year at the Vocational Rehabilitation Awards. At Mental Health UK, we want to change the way in which people living with mental health problems are supported into, and in, work. By combining a traditional employment service with wraparound wellbeing support that also looks at the holistic needs of a person – their finances, housing, social connectedness, mental health support etc., we've empowered our clients on their journey to meaningful employment.
Into Work's approach is unique to Mental Health UK and is based on our belief that by considering the whole person’s needs and circumstances, we’ll ensure that they feel more secure and supported, and able to stay in work long-term. We look forward to expanding this project in the years to come."
– Will Hebditch - Employment Programmes Manager, Mental Health UK"This has been an incredible year for Into Work, and what an amazing way to finish this year by winning the VRA Project of the Year award 2023; this means a lot to everyone involved and would have not been possible without of all the support from our dedicated and incredibly passionate team.
The Into Work programme is about looking at the bigger picture and addressing those barriers that people face day to day, whether that is around finances, navigating mental health support or reaching out around social connectedness; by considering the whole person’s needs and circumstances, and addressing those areas that impact on mental health and wellbeing, we will empower our clients on their journey to meaningful employment."
There is a strong necesity for wraparound wellbeing support that also looks at the holistic needs of a person – for example, their finances, housing, social connectedness, and mental health needs. We work alongside the client at their pace, developing a personalised recovery and vocational plan, while also exploring employment needs and aspirations. The aim is always to empower people on their way to gaining meaningful employment.
– Service user, Into Work“I was anxious about coming to the first meeting as I thought it was going to be the same old thing, how wrong I was. I am out of my appointment feeling that I have been listened to and I had a plan in place. It is nice to feel listened to for a change.”
If you’d like to learn more about our Into Work programme, visit our information page, or get in touch with William Hebditch, our Employment Programmes Manager.
