Find and stay in work with IPS support in Greater Manchester

• Wellness in Work IPS is helping people across Greater Manchester with mental health conditions to find and stay in work.
• Over the past year, more than 400 people have been supported, with over half moving into employment or staying in their current roles.
• Through ongoing support, the programme helps people to boost their confidence and learn new skills.

Wellness in Work IPS is an employment support service that helps Greater Manchester residents with mental health conditions find and stay in work.

We offer one-to-one support tailored to your needs. Our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) specialists work closely with you. They also work with employers and healthcare professionals to create joined-up support that fits around your life and career goals.

Our aim is to support people living with a severe mental illness who want to work, so they can build confidence, develop skills, and move towards long-term, sustainable employment.

This approach works. Over the past year, the programme has supported more than 400 people, with over half finding a job or staying in their current role.

Ash is one of those who benefited from the team’s guidance.

When they were referred to the programme, they’d spent months applying for jobs without success. This knocked their confidence and motivation, and they began to struggle in certain social situations.

Things started to change once Ash began receiving regular support from their IPS employment specialist. Slowly but surely, they rebuilt their confidence, reflected on their interests and ambitions, and took the time to develop their soft skills.

During this time, Ash rediscovered a passion for cooking. They went on to complete an eight-week placement in a local café, giving them a much-needed routine and valuable workplace experience.

Soon after, they successfully applied for a Kitchen Assistant role, which also offered the opportunity to train as a chef. Since then, Ash has continued to grow in confidence and is now thriving in a role they enjoy.

This shows how the right support, at the right pace, can lead to real and lasting change.

Like Ash, we can support you with writing your CV, applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and building your confidence. We’ll also help you find roles that match your interests and circumstances. Once you’re in work, we continue to support you so you can settle in and succeed.

To access support, you need to:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Live in one of the ten Greater Manchester boroughs
• Be out of work or need support to stay in your current job
• Want to move into work

You may be eligible if you have experience of a severe mental illness. For example, if you currently take or have taken medication for a mental health condition, have had a care coordinator, or have been under the care of a psychiatrist.

Ready to take the next step?

You can refer yourself quickly and easily by visiting the Wellness In Work IPS website, emailing gcsupportservices[at]gcemployment.uk or calling 0161 237 4451.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 35-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health support across the North of England and beyond.

Learn more about the health and wellbeing services that we deliver.

The Growth Company delivers Wellness in Work IPS in partnership with Pure Innovations and PossAbilities.