KMC-AS102 Mental Health Employment Service

The Mental Health Commissioners in Kirklees (which consist of Kirklees Council the NHS Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Groups – the ‘Commissioning Partners’) wish to commission a Mental Health Employment Service, for people living within the boundaries of Kirklees Council who experience a range of mental ill-health issues.

It is acknowledged that being in work is good for both general and physical health national policy No Health without Mental Health’ recognises this and the importance of the workplace playing a major part in people building resilience, being part of social networks and being economically more secure. There are however stresses and strains that some people in work will also find will detrimentally affect their mental health and support to reduce and prevent workplace related mental health problems will equally play a major part in building resilience and to continuing being part of social networks and being financially secure.

In this context the term ‘mental ill-health’ is inclusive of those with learning disabilities whose primary need is for mental health support, as well as those who may be experiencing dementia autism, Asperger’s and hidden disabilities such as dyslexia or poor literacy.

The Service will provide opportunities to access and/or remain in open employment and will include service provision for those who will benefit from preventative support around their employment issues

The Service will use an approach based on the principles and features of co-production, as described and promoted by the New Economics Foundation’ . The provision of the Service is seen as an important element of mental health service provision in the Kirklees area.