This is a new service, initially funded for 2 years by North Cumbria Clinical Commission Group (CCG) through the wider NHS Mental Health Transformation Fund, which provides tailored support for people in North Cumbria who are facing challenges from Severe Mental Health Experiences (SMHE).

It will be delivered through a personalised 1-1 development plan by our Step Forward team here at Cumbria CVS, working in partnership with a range of local mental health providers.

Individual’s living with SMHE who are currently:

• Not working but looking to take those first steps back into employment or volunteering
• Looking for training to help them prepare for when they feel ready to start work
• In employment but have spare time and have been considering giving back through volunteering

Business/organisations looking to:

• Improve their end-to-end recruitment process to help remove barriers to employment, particularly for those with SMHE
• Supporting existing wellbeing practices to improve engagement for those returning to work
• Build stronger community engagement to develop and strengthen volunteer relationships and opportunities in North Cumbria

Tailored development plan to support people on an individual level. This could include:

• An initial, short chat with one of our friendly team, who will then connect them with our Mental Health Volunteering and Employment Officer, for a more in-depth chat about clear ‘Steps Forward’ – Supporting someone, working together to create a practical and realistic plan to help them achieve their goals, supported by a range of mental health providers.
• Work taster opportunities that enable someone to start thinking about a return to work.
• A job support service, providing tailored work readiness training and support as people explore employment opportunities that are right for them and their circumstances.
• If someone is not quite ready to get back to work, but wants to give back or learn some new skills there are opportunities to get involved in volunteering (formal or informal and online or in person), work experience, skill building courses.
• Support from a Volunteer Mental Health Buddy – someone trained to support an individual with SMHE on an informal level whatever their next steps may be.
• Signposting and referral for any wider support services (where needed/appropriate)

More information on the Step Forward scheme is available here.

Get in touch with the Step Forward team on 01768 800350, or email stepforward@cumbriacvs.org.uk.