Moves to help people with mental health issues back into work

An innovative approach to mental health problems is being launched in Fife to help people into work.

With evidence showing a positive link between employment and mental health, Delivering Differently will see organisations work together to provide appropriate support to those ready to enter into the workplace.

Opportunities Fife, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership and Fife Voluntary Action are reviewing services and hope to identify ways to do things differently.

Workshops have been arranged and anyone who has experienced mental health problems is invited to attend to tell organisers about their experiences with employability and/or mental health services.

The workshops are being designed and run in partnership with the Scottish Recovery Network.

Kenny Murphy, from Fife Voluntary Action, said: “This is not a consultation on something that has already been decided.

“Delivering Differently is about hearing from the people that matter to better understand what is working well and how we can make services even better.”

The initiative comes at a time when mental ill health is the dominant health problem among working-age people.

The workshops are free and informal, although booking by phoning David McPhail on 0800 389 6046 is essential.

The next event is today at Hayfield Community Centre, Hayfield Road, Kirkcaldy, from 9.45am to 1pm. This will be followed tomorrow at The Centre, Leven, from 10.15am to 1pm; and Maxwell Centre, Cowdenbeath, from 5.45pm to 8.30pm.

West Fife Enterprises in Newmills hosts the last event of the week on Friday from 11.45am to 2.30pm.

Further workshops will be held next week.