"Mental Health & Employment "

The 1st meeting of the Mental Health & Employment Community of Interest took place at Highbury Hospital in Bulwell. Lots of people turned up including our own HR team job specialists and job centre plus.

Communities of Interest are about changing and improving NHS services. All were passionate about helping people with Mental Health Problems into employment and providing good support. Welfare rights proved a hot topic with people talking about good education for employers including our own occupational health service to help them make better informed decisions when making assessments. Support was also discussed for existing NHS employees who become unwell and need understanding from the organisation to manage their mental health and recovery.

Best practise was a key focus. Suggestions were put forward for providing a forum for people to bring questions to the group. The Trust Voluntary

services attended the meeting as many of our service users often use volunteering as a stepping stone to employment.

Health awareness training was discussed both for prospective employers and our own staff.

In-house training was discussed as being important to challenge employers and the Trust over time to make real improvements.

For more information contact: Julie Royston 0115 9529488

Or email Julie.royston@nottshc.nhs.uk