New job support service by Sandwell alcohol and drug support service helping transform lives

More than 20 people have gained employment during Cranstoun Sandwell’s first year offering job support to individuals engaging with alcohol and other drug services.

Cranstoun has had a successful first year of its Individual Placement and Support service, known as IPS, leading to positive changes in people’s lives in Sandwell.

Of the people referred to Cranstoun Sandwell’s IPS service throughout the year, 28 have been supported into employment, with the remainder continuing to be supported by IPS.

Through in-work support, the aim of the team is to enable people to make lasting change and a long-term contribution via sustained employment, helping people to find jobs that they are good at and find rewarding.

Sophea Sahota, IPS Team Leader at Cranstoun Sandwell, said: “IPS is an evidence-based and government-backed employment service that offers intensive, individually tailored support to help people to choose and find the right job.

“IPS is open to anyone accessing our structured services who is interested in finding paid work, and accessing the programme is entirely voluntary.

“We believe that everyone deserves a chance to work, and our team supports people to believe in their ability to find work, regardless of their gaps in employment. 

“We all know how difficult it can be to find work in your desired field of interest and what makes it even more difficult is when you're seeking work alone with limited support. 

“Our success shows that by working together as a multi-disciplinary team, we can help people to make changes that enable them to secure paid work, regardless of the individual's current barriers or historical set-backs.”

The service is offered to motivated people receiving treatment for alcohol and drug use, with the aim being to support them in finding a job which meets their needs and preferences.

Cranstoun’s Employment Specialists provide support with interview skills, CV writing, application forms and more for the person who is accessing the service.

They also develop relationships with commissioners, partners and employers in the local area, taking time to understand employer needs to ensure they can put forward people who have been carefully identified as a good fit for a vacancy.

The charity’s IPS teams provide up to nine months of pre-employment support, plus up to four months’ support following a successful job offer.

Job roles which people using the IPS service have been supported into include assembly worker, carer, manager, mechanic and more.

Sandwell Council's Public Health team uses national funding to enable Cranstoun to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme across the borough. 

By opening up access to meaningful, paid work, the IPS programme offers real opportunities for people receiving drug and alcohol support to rebuild their lives, benefitting not only individuals, but their families and the wider community.

Councillor Jackie Taylor, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to see this important work taking place in Sandwell and look forward to the positive impact it will bring. 

“Meaningful employment is a key part of recovery, helping people build confidence, stability and independence. I am confident it will create lasting, positive change for those individuals and people across Sandwell as well.”

Employers interested in supporting Cranstoun’s IPS programme can find out more at the Cranstoun website.