Employment specialist Matt stars in new recruitment film
At SWLSTG, our IPS (Individual Placement Support) employment specialists are making a real difference by supporting and empowering patients to find and keep meaningful job opportunities.
One of these inspiring specialists is Matt, who has been with us for four years and is also the chair of our LGBTQIA+ staff network. Matt’s passion for his work shines through in everything he does, and he shares how this role has helped him grow personally and professionally. In a new film produced by IPS Grow, Matt opens up about the impact of his work, saying:
“It helps with your self-esteem, knowing that you’ve helped somebody. Especially somebody who other people have given up on. And sometimes they’ve given up on themselves.”
The film by IPS Grow – a scheme launched by NHS England to help people with severe mental illness find employment – highlights the rewarding role of an IPS employment specialist, aiming to inspire others to consider joining the profession.
Featuring Matt and two other dedicated professionals, the film explores the varied and meaningful work they do supporting those facing mental health challenges to achieve their career goals.
In the film, Matt describes his first meetings with clients, saying: “Once we meet, we go through the process of how I can support them. We go through what they want from the service because it’s client led. We explore their boundaries – some of them have massive boundaries about returning to work.”
He goes on to describe what drives him each day:
“Believe it or not, the clients get me up in the morning. It’s a tough job, but it’s a rewarding job. A client said the other day, ‘you changed my life.’ No, you changed your life, not me. I just give you the door, you walk through it.”
Whether you’re exploring a career in this field or simply curious about what it takes to be an IPS employment specialist, the film offers an inspiring glimpse into the vital work being done by IPS services.
Watch the film, along with a second one featuring just Matt, to discover how IPS employment specialists like him are transforming lives, one job at a time.
