David and Ingeus UK transcript
Angela: Ingeus leads Able Futures, which is a strategic partnership delivering the Access to Work Mental Health support service throughout England, Scotland and Wales, on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. Able Futures provides coping mechanisms, supports, advice and guidance for the individual, but we also work with employers. It can provide additional supports to the network of facilities you already have, and it can allow people to stay or even return into the workplace if they have been off on sick due to poor mental health. We provide up to nine months of one to one support, advice and guidance to equip the person with the skills and techniques to overcome the challenges that they are facing and affecting their mental health, their time or their attendance at work.
David: I'm David Kinnauld and I'm 37 years old. I'm a proud father of two, husband and away from work I own and run a football club with some friends. I'm a bus driver, I'm also qualified mental health first aider. I was actually struggling to access services locally. I applied through the website for an assessment and within two weeks I had a call and we started from there.
Angela: We have a dedicated team of mental health professionals. We refer to them as Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants (VRCs), and they will spend time with an employee and then using the most appropriate evidence-based coping strategies and guidance to support that person.
David: I think it's genuinely changed my life. I've been able to work with my VRC to come up with some strategies to really help me deal with thoughts and feelings and state of my mind. I do think having a safe and supportive atmosphere goes hand-in-hand with the support that I've had. And First Bus have been aware of my mental health difficulties even prior to me starting my job and have given me an environment where I can thrive and encourage me to use other supports.
Mubs: We understand the challenges our employees face both on and off the road. Our mission is to become an inclusive employer where everyone is welcome, can be their true selves and succeed. Colleagues who have used Able Futures have given some fantastic and overwhelmingly positive feedback, which has helped them restore routine back into their daily lives, helped them with coping strategies to help them manage and cope with mental health crises.
David: I certainly feel more rounded coming out of the other side, and I would 100% recommend Able Futures to anybody. If something’s causing you issues at work or causing you issues that could affect your ability to work. Rather than waiting for them to get worse, go on the website, pick your phone up fill the following, get assessed and get the support you need. It really is a good service and I actually can't believe it's free.