"A good experience"

My Care coordinator Ellie (Eleanor) mentioned the IPS service to me and referred me to get support in hopes to stay in my current work. I think it has been a good experience. I feel like they have been open and honest and offered help and support. I am doing well at work currently.

Initially, I did not know exactly what this service could do and I had reservations. I did not know what limitations there would be and so there was some uncertainty of how the service could benefit me. The initial visit was reassuring and gave me a good insight into Employment Specialist Rayhaan's involvement. Rayhaan talked about what he could do, and so initial reservations were resolved at the first meeting.

I felt there was no barriers to attending appointments and I felt very comfortable speaking to Rayhaan.

Rayhaan helped with my employment and mental health issues. I found Rayhaan to be very reassuring and so I opened up.

I realised now that I am better off where I am working currently and have learnt that if I need help then I know to ask. I know that I would like to stay in my current area of work as there may be other opportunities possibly. I feel comfortable right now and am prioritising my mental health.

Rayhaan listened to me and I felt valued. He offered all the support and help he could. He sympathised with me and considered my physical, mental and psychological needs and addressed my employment and also outside employment related worries and concerns too.

I was worried about not going out as much and this is an area I wanted to improve. I had the opportunity to talk about things including employment and Rayhaan gave suggestions of what to do outside of work and so I have plans in place to go on holiday over the summer. It was reassuring to talk about what to do outside of work to keep me well at work.

I did wonder why meetings with my employment specialist were in public and would have preferred to meet in a private room. However, I understand the pros and cons and I was alright with meeting like this after Rayhaan and I had a discussion around this.

If I could give one piece of advice to others returning to work, this would be to make a plan and stick to it and whatever happens then you can change and adapt.

I would also like to thank Ellie, Samantha the psychiatrist I worked with, the intensive home treatment team and Employment Worker Aneeka with all the support they have given me over the years.