New Employment Service Launch as a Key to Mental Health

A new partnership brings employment support into Marion Specialist Community Mental Health Services. Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. and Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Mental Health Division are proud to launch a new partnership delivering an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment service for people in southern Adelaide. The new service integrates individualised employment support directly into a person’s mental health plan, helping participants pursue meaningful and sustainable employment as part of their recovery journey.

IPS is an internationally recognised, evidence-based approach that brings the knowledge and experience of mental health and employment professionals together. The service is guided by each person’s strengths, interests and employment goals, with individualised support available when they are ready to explore work.

Since November 2016, CBS Inc. IPS partnerships with SA Community Mental Health Services have supported 909 people with 441 (49%) achieving an employment placement.

Lucas Milne, Allied Health Director (Mental Health) from the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) said: “Studies worldwide show that work and occupation is the number one unmet need among people with mental health conditions. Delivery of employment supports integrated with mental health treatment is the most effective way to meet those needs and delivers life changing outcomes.”

A participant receiving support through the IPS program said: “The support of CBS and Marion (Specialist Community Mental Health) turned my life around as I started to look for work and re-engage with the community after a psychotic episode.

I never thought I’d work again but within a few weeks mentorship from CBS I found work. It’s about finding work which suit me and my lived experience.

CBS and Marion have made my life so much richer and happy because of it.”

Founder and Executive Director of CBS Inc., Freddie Brincat OAM, said “By working together IPS has proven that a job which you enjoy at award pay creates better health and income supporting each person’s recovery journey. Being part of a good workplace with support, is a powerful positive reinforcer that is often underestimated in positive mental health recovery and this partnership is changing this.”

A participant receiving support through the IPS program said:

A participant receiving support through the IPS program said:

“The support of CBS and Marion (Specialist Community Mental Health) turned my life around as I started to look for work and re-engage with the community after experiencing mental health challenges.

 I never thought I’d work again but within a few weeks mentorship from CBS I found work. It’s about finding work which suit me and my lived experience.

CBS and Marion have made my life so much richer and happy because of it.”

The official launch brings together government representatives, mental health leaders, service providers, community partners, employers, people with lived experience and senior representatives from South Australia’s mental health services.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment between Marion Specialist Mental Health Services and CBS Inc. to providing person-centred support and improving employment and recovery outcomes for people experiencing mental health challenges.

Media enquiries
Tim Wiseman
Regional Individual Placement and Support Manager
Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc.
Email:
Phone: 0419 864 169