Depression Counseling Bristol

Employed people would benefit from new therapy scheme as much as the unemployed, industry bodies claim.

This week, health secretary Alan Johnson and pensions secretary James Purnell announced the government is to offer psychological help to millions of people facing unemployment and debt.

The announcement has been welcomed by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). However, the body has warned that unless the package of measures is also made available to those in employment, the number of people suffering from mental health problems will continue to spiral upwards.

The government plans to invest some £13m in the therapy initiative, which features a package of measures aimed at helping those experiencing depression or anxiety to get back into work. The scheme provides enhanced access to therapy and a new network of employment support workers who, as well as being linked to talking therapy services, will provide job support for people with common mental health problems.

Ben Willmott, senior public policy adviser at the CIPD, believes that unless people suffering from stress and other mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are given early access to support, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and other forms of counselling, they will fall out of employment and add to the numbers claiming benefit.

“Stress at work and other common mental health problems like anxiety and depression are likely to become a growing challenge for individuals, employers and society as the recession takes hold,” Wilmott said. “After someone has been off work for six months there is only a 50% likelihood of them returning to work.”
The CIPD is calling that people should have access to talking therapies and other forms of support as soon as they start to experience difficulties and while they are still holding down a job.

© Crimson Business Ltd, 2009