Services adopting the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach have been operating in New Zealand for some time.
Research and experience shows us that implementation support and technical assistance really helps in integrating employment and mental health services. It also improves program reach and outcomes and importantly for many people, encourages employments role as health intervention.
National IPS Steering Group
As part of a commitment to support the development of high quality IPS programs in New Zealand and internationally as part of the Learning Community, New Zealand has established a National IPS Steering Group. This group provides oversight and information sharing in relation to IPS development and implementation across the country.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development, job seekers and their family/whānau, NGO’s, District Health Boards and Work Counts currently make up the group.
Congratulations to Dr Helen Lockett
Work Counts strategic advisor, Dr Helen Lockett, has recently completed her PhD examining how to further improve the effectiveness of IPS employment programmes.
Where you can find organisations implementing the IPS approach in New Zealand
Over the past two years we have seen the reach of IPS increase across the country. Currently seven district health board regions have some access to IPS.
Work Counts represents New Zealand on the world stage
Members of the Work Counts team recently represented New Zealand at the 14th annual meeting of the International IPS Learning Community in Tennessee.
Work Counts host IPS expert in New Zealand
IPS employment support expert Sandy Langfitt Reese has spent two weeks in the country learning more about how New Zealand organisations are implementing the IPS approach, while getting a taste of the kiwi culture.
Work Counts seminar series: IPS implementation support
IPS employment support experts Sandy Langfitt Reese and Becki Priest recently presented on the advantages of implementation support in the USA and Aotearoa. Click here to view footage of the seminar.
OECD report offers a roadmap to address employment inequities
The Mental Health and Work: New Zealand report, recently released by the OECD, has recommendations on the need for integrated health and employment support services.
A unique opportunity to hear from a global expert on models of mental health care
We invite you to hear from Professor Eóin Killackey who is in Auckland this July and presenting on supporting vocational aspirations through evidence-based models of primary and community mental health care.
Seeking examples of effective employment models
Work Counts have partnered with Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui and Synergia to deliver the Tōkeke: Building equity in access to work research project, funded by the Health Research Council and Ministry of Social Development.
Work Counts seminar series: Models of youth mental health care and vocational recovery
Hear from Professor Eóin Killackey as he talks through his experience and knowledge on models of care, in particular with youth.
Implementing an IPS prototype in West Auckland
Workwise shares their recent experience implementing an IPS prototype programme within a community mental health centre in West Auckland.
Auckland DHB leads IPS pilot in New Zealand
An IPS pilot project in Auckland and Counties Manukau (2015-2017) successfully tested the use of dedicated implementation support and technical assistance to improve the reach and effectiveness of IPS in the New Zealand context.
IPS services in New Zealand
Tailoring the process to meet Angela’s needs
By identifying her strengths and skills and focusing on a tailored approach, Angela’s employment and mental health team were able to get her back into work within a year.
Working in parallel to ensure a smooth journey back into work
Anne had a successful career and had never been out of employment, when suddenly her circumstances changed and she was facing a criminal conviction and mental health challenges.
