"My experience with IPS"

I was in a difficult place in my life, and I knew that I needed support because I didn’t feel strong enough or able enough to get where I wanted to be, just by myself. I wanted to be back in work or doing something that would give me structure back to my life - something productive I could be doing. I had no idea where to start.

I heard about IPS services in other boroughs and areas, so I checked to see if there was one where I lived, and I was so glad to see that there was. The team accepted my self-referral and were so good with communicating and setting up a meeting for me with one of their staff members, Kelly. When I first met Kelly, she was very calming and patient and reassuring, and exactly what I needed at that time, because I felt like my head and my life were a mess and I couldn’t see where to start with getting a good quality of life again, although I had hope that eventually it would, somehow.

Kelly offered me so much time and listened so well to me, that I felt very valued and I was able to see things a lot clearer by having someone to talk to out loud about everything. With the support I received, I was able to take a look at what my interests were, and how I could find something that showed more promise of being a more fulfilling job or career. I explained that my previous employment had been an area I never felt comfortable or suitable in, and Kelly worked very well with me to find what was more comfortable and suitable for me. I decided to try a few different things, and went on to study carpentry and joinery (level 1), and I am now enrolled on a teaching and education diploma (level 5) and am self employed as a courier, mostly delivering parcels.

I don’t think I’d be where I am today without the help I received from Kelly and the IPS Service. I am extremely grateful, and continue to benefit from the support and assistance of the service.

The most beneficial aspects of my experience with IPS service has been the reassuring, positive, and encouraging conversations with my caseworker, as well as my caseworker’s proactive work behind the scenes helping me to get in contact with the professional people I needed to, and arranging meetings for me - I felt very much like I had someone really care about what I was going through and what I wanted.

Thank you very much.