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Evaluation of the Group Work Psychological Wellbeing and Work feasibility pilot
- Author:
- NATCEN SOCIAL RESEARCH
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department for Work and Pensions
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 105
- Place of publication:
- London
Reports on an evaluation of a group based intervention to improve the employment and health prospects for people with common mental health conditions by enhancing the self-esteem of participants and providing them with the social skills to job search effectively. The intervention was proposed by RAND Europe as a potentially effective early intervention and was based on the JOBS II model developed by the University of Michigan. In-depth interviews were carried out with eight Jobcentre Plus staff, eight provider staff and 32 claimants who participated in the intervention. Observations of six Group Work sessions were carried out and analysis of Management Information (MI) was undertaken to provide insights into pilot take-up, retention and outcomes. Of 461 claimants that were referred to the intervention, 236 (51 per cent) went on to attend the first day of the intervention. Of these, 194 (40 per cent of referrals) went on to complete the week-long course. Facilitators delivering the intervention felt it benefited claimants who needed to refresh their work search skills and those with mild psychological wellbeing needs related to their job search, such as low self-esteem and low confidence. Facilitators felt that the intervention was less suitable for those more severe psychological wellbeing needs, such as clinical depression, and those who had been very long-term unemployed and were lacking in motivation. A total of 194 of the 236 participants (82 per cent) completed the intervention. The evaluaion concludes that that the intervention would benefit from a clear definition of who it is aimed at and who it is suitable for. Careful consideration should be given to how the intervention is marketed, avoiding references to ‘psychological’ support. (Edited publisher abstract)
Evaluation of the Telephone Support Psychological Wellbeing and Work feasibility pilot
- Author:
- NATCEN SOCIAL RESEARCH
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department for Work and Pensions
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 105
- Place of publication:
- London
Reports on an evaluation of a pilot telephone-based intervention providing psychological wellbeing and employment-related support to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimants who were struggling to find work. It aimed to enhance the self-esteem of participants, providing them with the social skills to job search effectively and building their resilience to setbacks. The intervention was one of the pilots proposed by RAND Europe as a potentially effective early intervention for benefit claimants with common mental health conditions. In-depth interviews were carried out with eight Jobcentre Plus (JCP) Work Coaches, seven Provider staff and 32 claimants who had participated in the intervention. Management Information (MI) analysis was undertaken to provide further insights into pilot take-up, retention and outcomes. Of 569 claimants who were referred to the Telephone Support, 146 (26 per cent) went on to complete at least one intervention phone. Of these, 91 (62 per cent of those who started the intervention) went on to complete the number of calls scheduled. Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants (VRCs) delivering the intervention reported that the intervention was more appropriate for 'job ready' claimants and those with low self-esteem. The intervention was less suitable for those with more severe psychological needs, such as clinical depression and those with multiple and complex needs, such as substance misuse issues. Claimants reported that the role of the VRC was important to their experiences of the intervention. A questionnaire completed by claimants at the start and end of the intervention incorporating five validated instruments tracked improvements in wellbeing, self-efficacy and mental health between participant pre- and post-test scores. (Edited publisher abstract)