Cranstoun, Worcestershire has had a successful first year of its Individual Placement and Support service, known as IPS, leading to positive changes in people’s lives.
The service is offered to motivated people receiving structured treatment for alcohol and drug use, with the aim being to support them in finding a job role 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.
Whilst being supported by Cranstoun Worcestershire’s alcohol and drugs service, Gavin Warrington is being supported by IPS employment specialist Richard Waite to find employment in a role that suits him.
Gavin said: ““I’ve been working with the IPS team at Cranstoun for the last 6 months and it’s been really great, the first thing they helped me with was sorting my CV out. It’s gone from something pretty dire to something I’m proud to send out to potential employers. Next my key worker sat with me to find out what job I was interested in and helped connect me with local employers and prepare me for interviews.
“I haven’t had a job interview for nearly 20 years, so going for my first one was nerve wracking to say the least, but it went really well. It gave me the confidence and incentive to apply for more jobs and continue my search for work. In the last 6 months I’ve had 3 interviews and I’m looking forward to what the future holds. I’m ready to get in to work and give back to my community. Cranstoun have been amazing throughout; they offer a holistic approach they never judge and they meet you where you’re at.”
Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Community Support at Worcestershire County Council, Councillor Dr Satinder Bell, said: “This programme, commissioned through Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Team has, in its first year, started to make a genuine, positive impact on the lives of people receiving Cranstoun’s support and, by extension, on the broader communities of Worcestershire. People with drug and alcohol dependence often struggle to find stable employment, which can be an essential part of recovery, giving them a sense of pride, motivation and giving back.”
Rachel Bodwell, IPS Team Leader at Cranstoun Worcestershire, added: “As we mark the successful first year of our Individual Placement and Support services across Worcestershire, we celebrate the meaningful progress made—real people finding real work, with dignity and purpose.
“This is just the beginning. With renewed energy and deeper commitment, we look forward to an even more impactful year ahead, continuing to transform lives through the power of employment.”
Cranstoun are always on the look out for inclusive local employers who wish to sign up to the programme and support them in changing lives.
Employers interested in supporting Cranstoun’s IPS programme can find out more at: https://cranstoun.org/help-and-advice/alcohol-other-drugs/ips/
