Improving Access To Psychological Therapies

The contract has been awarded to Twining Enterprise following market engagement to invite capable providers. Following a capability assessment, Twining Enterprise has been established as the only capable provider.

NWL CCG required an employment support service within the psychological therapy service in accordance with the National Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) programme, with the aim of increasing access to a range of psychological therapy interventions to:

• improve the psychological health and wellbeing of people with common mental health problems (e.g. depression and anxiety disorders), and • provide increased access to employment support which will assist people with common mental health problems to maintain employment and return to work.

Within the Stepped Care model of psychological therapy interventions to provide support to IAPT patients into mainstream:

• Employment • Education/training • Volunteering

The service will ensure provision of an equitable service to Hounslow's diverse population, paying special attention to providing appropriate and accessible services for people from BAME communities and 'vulnerable' groups (people with learning disabilities who are able to engage, long term conditions, neurological conditions, carers, older adults, non-English speakers etc).

The service will support people accepted into the IAPT service and provide patients with:

• Information advice and guidance (IAG) on work and learning • Needs assessment and action planning/goal setting • Support in developing personal/interpersonal skills • Access to welfare benefits/financial advice • Managed signposting/referral to other service • Support into/in further education/training/volunteering as pathway activities towards employment • Interview preparation • CV development, support in seeking and applying for work • Facilitated back to work support, liaising with employers and other professionals as necessary.