Mental Health Employment Service

The Mental Health Commissioners in Kirklees (which consist of Kirklees Council the NHS Greater HuddersfieldClinical Commissioning Group and NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Groups - the 'Commissioning Partners') are to award a contract for the Mental Health Employment Service, for people living within the boundaries of Kirklees Council who experience a range of mental ill-health issues. The contract will commence1/4/17 until 31/3/20, with an option to extend for 2 x 12 month periods.

The annual value is £260,820.00. The Service will provide opportunities to access and/or remain in open employment and will include service provision for those who will benefit from preventative support around their employment issues.

The Mental Health Employment Service is for people who experience a range of mental ill-health issues. It is acknowledged that being in work is good for both general and physical health.

National policy 'No Health without Mental Health' recognises this and the importance of the workplace playing a major part in people building resilience, being part of social networks and being economically more secure. In this context the term 'mental ill-health' is inclusive of those with learning disabilities whose primary need is for mental health support, as well as those who may be experiencing dementia autism, Asperger's and hidden disabilities such as dyslexia or poor literacy.

The Service will use an approach based on the principles and features of co-production, as described and promoted by the 'New Economics Foundation' . The provision of the Service is seen as an important element of mental health service provision in the Kirklees area.