Workable (NI) aids conservation of good mental health

Action Mental Health is one of seven partners within the Supported Employment Solutions consortium that helps people with disabilities and health conditions get back into employment.

Under the auspices of the Department for Communities, the Workable (NI) Programme is delivered by SES partners AMH and Cedar, along with Mencap, Orchardville and NOW – both social enterprises for people with learning difficulties and autism; RNIB and Action on Hearing Loss.

Case study

A manager of Conservation Volunteers who has been supporting a client of Action Mental Health through the Workable (NI) Programme, paid tribute to the scheme.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Action Mental Health personally and the wider AMH Workable NI Programme for supporting the client over the past 12 months. 

“I became the client’s direct line-manager three years ago when I became aware of her ongoing mental health issues, and the impact this was having on her work and personal life.  Within my role and experience I was only able to offer her a certain level of support and flexibility, and at times felt frustrated not being able to help on a greater scale, as I am not a mental health professional.

“The AMH Workable NI Programme offered the professional mental health support which the client required, enabling her to remain in her work routine whilst receiving specialist support to address her health needs.  The positive impact this has had over the past 12 months has been every evident in all aspects of her persona and behaviour towards her work and personal life.

“The person-centred approach used to identify the correct support for the client as an individual has undoubtedly had a really positive impact on her well-being.  The client herself, speaks very positively of the programme and discusses how she is incorporating techniques into her work and personal life to help her manage and cope with specific situations which would have previously caused her stress. She has increased her working hours as a result of support through Workable (NI) and is completing all aspects of her role with renewed self-confidence.

“From an employer point of view, I have found the format of the Workable (NI) programme appropriately inclusive.  Being involved in structured reviews gives the opportunity for open conversations between employee and employer, without the need for full disclosure of personal details. I feel I have also received the correct amount of information and support from Action Mental Health during the overall programme.

“I would 100 per cent recommend the AMH Workable (NI) programme to any employer struggling to support an employee to sustain their job and their mental health. I would extend many thanks again to Dorothy Greenaway, Employment Support Officer in New Horizon Craigavon and Banbridge, for all your help and expert support over the past 12 months.”