UK to deploy job coaches in mental health wards for recovery support

In the United Kingdom, a new initiative will see job coaches visiting patients in mental health wards to provide employment support. This program, announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, is part of a broader strategy to tackle the rising costs associated with disability benefits, which are expected to increase by nearly a third over the next five years. The government aims to encourage individuals with serious mental health issues to return to work, thereby reducing reliance on benefits. The initiative follows a successful trial where employment advisers were placed in hospital wards, yielding dramatic results in helping patients with their CVs and interview skills. Kendall emphasized that evidence shows employment can significantly enhance mental health, suggesting that integrating job support into mental health services is a necessary shift in approach. As the UK grapples with high levels of economic inactivity, the government is keen to address the challenges posed by mental health issues and the associated financial burden of disability benefits. The DWP is preparing to release a new employment white paper outlining plans for reforming benefits and improving access to work for those with mental health challenges. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of employment in promoting mental well-being and the need for innovative solutions to support individuals in overcoming barriers to work. The government is committed to finding ways to incentivize work while ensuring that those who are unable to work receive the necessary support.