Welcome to final Individual Placement and Support (IPS) bi-monthly newsletter of 2016, published by IPS WORKS, part of the Western Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH).

In this Issue:

• What can IPS WORKS offer you?
• IPS spreads to regional South Australia
• Mentally healthy workplaces pay off
• Have your say – Submissions open for the Disability Employment Services Reform
• Connect for Mental Health – New online tool launched
• Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

WE have been directly involved in implementing the Individual Placement and Support model for four years both in Western Australia, and now at a national level.  So what do we offer?

IPS WORKS offers a range of technical support services. We specialise in consultancy, the customised development of IPS program tools and templates, training and evaluation of IPS programs.

Once you engage IPS WORKS services, our team is available for support and trouble-shooting. You can rely on timely assistance for your ongoing needs.  Engage our team- contact IPS WORKS for further information on (08) 6246 3000 or visit our website . 

Keep up to date with IPS WORKS on social media. 
Like us on Facebook  and follow us on Twitter.

COMMUNITY Bridging Services Inc. (CBS) is committed to providing positive experiences which develop the strengths and interests of people.  Partnering with Country Health South Australia Local Health Network (SA LHN) to deliver an Individual Placement and Support program, job seekers with a lived experience of mental illness will have the opportunity to pursue their vocational aspirations. Employment specialists will be co-located in the Mid North, Riverland and Murray Mallee Community Mental Health Teams providing integrated employment support and care coordination.

IPS WORKS wishes to congratulate Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. and Country Health SA LHN well on their launch of IPS in South Australia and thanks them for the opportunity to provide IPS technical support services during implementation.
 
 

MORE prevalent than most people realise, about 45% of Australians between 16 and 85 will experience a mental illness at some point in their life.  Given we spend a high percentage of our time at work, all employers and managers need to take the appropriate steps to eliminate and reduce health and safety risks in the workplace.

Creating a healthy workplace is good for business.  It reduces costs associated with worker absence, employee turnover and can avoid industrial disputes.  A happy, safe and healthy workplace also encourages staff loyalty and improves productivity.

Are you a manager and want to know more about supporting your workforce that experience mental illness?  Check out the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Workers with Mental Illness: A Practical Guide for Managers

CONSULTATION has opened on the discussion paper ‘New Disability Employment Services from 2018’ from the Department of Social Services.  This paper outlines specific options for what a new Disability Employment Services framework could look like from 2018 onwards.

Your input may assist and inform the development of the new DES framework.  The public consultation period will end on 16 December 2016 at 5pm (EST). 

You can make a submission directly or alternatively provide your views to a Disability Employment Reference Group member.  IPS WORKS have been following the process closely and has made a public submission.

A NEW free online interactive community learning tool has been developed by clinical staff using information and research on mental health. 

Launched by Relationships Australia WA, the tool aims to assist the community to better understand mental health and recognise someone who may be at risk and in need of support.

The online learning tool introduces the STRES model which stand s for Signs, Time, Reach-out, Empathise, and Support. It follows five simple steps and highlights the importance of early intervention. People will be given the tools and confidence to respond, reach out and talk to a person they are concerned about and seek out further support services.

We would recommend sharing this tool with IPS employment specialists to give them insights and information that may prove vital in their role whilst supporting jobseekers with enduring mental health conditions.

Find out more.

IPS WORKS  would like to wish everyone a stress-free Christmas and a prosperous New Year!