BPS responds to potential new government scheme offering job coaches for mental health patients

Responding to the news that job coaches could visit mental health patients in hospital to help them get back to work, the President of the British Psychological Society Dr Roman Raczka said: 

"Everyone living with a mental health condition deserves support in gaining financial security. Financial and employment difficulties can be a cause and a consequence of poor mental health. Similarly, it is imperative that all those who are struggling with mental health difficulties have timely access to safe and compassionate care. 

"Many people with mental health problems who are in hospital are keen to return to the workplace. However not all will be clinically well enough to be considering this, and the workplace itself can be a root cause of poor mental health. While a job coach could act as an incentive and offer support to mental health patients to return to work, it is vital this isn't to the detriment of a patient's recovery by adding further stress and anxiety. Ideally, all job coaches should be psychologically informed and work to identify a patient's strengths and support patients in managing change. This should take place alongside the more practical elements such as CV writing to help navigate the jobs market. 

"The BPS is committed to working with the government to get the very best outcomes for those in hospital with mental health challenges. We look forward to seeing the full results of the trial upon its completion."