A woman who experienced psychosis and was sectioned during her university studies has spoken about how securing full-time employment has profoundly positively impacted her life. Rachel Hart, from Cheltenham, developed delusions and paranoia four years ago as she prepared for her final exams, leading to treatment in a mental health hospital.
Following her treatment, Hart received assistance from the Individual Placement Support (IPS) team in Gloucestershire, an organisation that last year supported over 400 individuals. This collaboration led to her securing a position as a project officer at the University of Exeter. Hart expressed that she had "never been happier," emphasising that for her, recovery was significantly about rebuilding confidence and recognising work as an integral, not optional, part of the process.
The IPS initiative is designed to assist people with severe mental illness in finding paid employment as part of their recovery journey. Laura Isher, an IPS employment specialist at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, worked closely with Hart's employer to ensure a sustainable placement. Isher highlighted the broader benefits of employment, stating, "Employment is a huge part of recovery in mental illness; it's a proven fact now that it's not just helping somebody, it's all the social factors, it's being part of society and feeling useful."
Hart confirmed the programme's effectiveness, explaining that it helped her feel valued once more by validating her skills, knowledge, and qualifications. According to IPS Grow, which supports IPS teams across England, a significant 70-90% of individuals with mental health issues desire to work. However, only 37% currently hold paid jobs, a figure that drops to a stark 8% for those with severe mental illness, underscoring the gap the IPS scheme aims to address.
Vicky Vacara, IPS service manager for Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, noted that her team helped 115 people find new jobs last year. She acknowledged that some individuals with mental health conditions are led to believe they may never work, but stressed the benefits of a diverse workforce for organisations, including the strengths that people with mental health problems can bring. Employers are also supported in making reasonable adjustments, such as flexible start times to accommodate medication effects, as demonstrated by Hart's continued success at the University of Exeter over the past 18 months.