Lambeth IPS: connecting employment and mental health support

Our Lambeth Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service helps people with mental health support needs in Lambeth take steps towards meaningful employment. As part of our partnership with the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance, we focus on providing comprehensive employment support to those receiving mental health care, to help them access good quality, sustainable jobs. Sarah’s story is an example of how our service is making a difference. 

In 2023, Sarah experienced a severe mental health crisis that led her to connect with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM). Facing the challenges of a mental health breakdown and the stress of recent redundancy, Sarah was in urgent need of support. “In my first meeting, they were like, what do you need help with? And I said I need a job. Immediately,” Sarah recalls. 

Through SLAM, Sarah was introduced to Thames Reach’s Lambeth IPS and met with Giuseppa, who is a Lead Worker in the service. Unlike other employment services Sarah had encountered, Giuseppa’s approach was holistic, focusing on what Sarah wanted and needed for her well-being. “Her approach was, ‘What is it that you want and what is healthy for you right now? And how can we get it?'” says Sarah. 

Building confidence through tailored support

For Sarah, finding employment was not just about a paycheck but also about rebuilding her confidence and managing her mental health. Giuseppa recognised this and tailored her support accordingly. “My confidence was shot. I couldn’t get out of bed. I was riddled with anxiety”. Giuseppa’s patient, supportive approach allowed Sarah to start with a part-time job, which was a crucial step in her recovery. “There was no way I could have gone back to work full time at that point,” she says. “Giuseppa helped me explore my options, find the right job, and build the confidence to take those first steps.” 

This experience paved the way for a more significant career shift. Having always been passionate about working with people, particularly in the homelessness sector, Sarah decided to pursue this path with Giuseppa’s support. She has recently begun a full-time role as a support worker in a hostel at homelessness charity St. Mungo’s. “This service has been absolutely vital,” Sarah says. “I wouldn’t have been able to make a career transition without this kind of guidance.” 

Thames Reach’s Lambeth IPS service goes beyond typical employment support by understanding how closely mental health and work are connected. The partnership between IPS and the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance is crucial in offering a smooth and coordinated approach, helping people get support in different areas of their lives. By bringing together mental health and employment services, we can tackle the wider challenges that people like Sarah face, making sure they get the all-around help they need to rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence. This teamwork is key to supporting long-term recovery and stability.