Bright, cheerful and positive Zoey Quinn struggled to find employment due to mental health challenges.  Zoey thought she would never get the opportunity to realise her ambition of enjoying a successful and rewarding career.  Zoey now uses her own lived experience in her role as a peer support worker to help others with their mental health recovery.

In 2019, Zoey experienced severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, and symptoms of psychosis, which left her struggling to maintain employment. Despite being under the care of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service, designed to help individuals with mental health conditions find and sustain meaningful employment, Zoey did not feel ready to work at this time.  She was discharged with the assurance that the service would always be there for her in the future.

The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment service, run by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, has helped over 400 people like Zoey back into work since its launch in 2015.

In 2022 Zoey was referred back to the IPS service, which marked a significant turning point in Zoey’s life.  Zoey was assigned to IPS worker, Will Vaughan.  The support and dedication provided by Will proved to be life changing.

Zoey said: “I cannot describe how grateful I am for all the support and help I received through my time under this service.

“I felt it was hopeless that I couldn’t find a new job that I found meaningful, however, Will helped me to find my dream job. He spent a lot of time preparing me for interviews and assisting with applications,” Zoey, shared.

Zoey emphasized the comprehensive support received from the IPS Employment service, which extended beyond finding employment. Will helped rebuild her trust in people and instilled hope for the future. “For the first time in my life, I feel happy in my workplace. The service gave me a new chance to start a new life,” Zoey said.

Discharge from the service was managed with care, ensuring Zoey was placed in capable hands. Her gratitude to Will and the IPS Employment Service is immense: “Thank you for opening so many doors for me. Now it’s time to help others!”

Zoey is now employed as a peer support and community engagement worker for the Care Trust’s Future Focus Team, helping to support young people and adults across Bradford and Airedale with mental health challenges. Excelling in her role, Zoey’s hard work and dedication has been noted by her team, making a real difference to people across the community that she supports.

Will Vaughan, an employment specialist with the IPS Employment service at the Trust, was instrumental in supporting Zoey to gain employment.  Will said: “We’re delighted that Zoey has found a role she is passionate about and is thriving in her new career.   We know that being in work is a key part of recovery from mental ill health for many people and gaining employment can have a positive impact on emotional well-being, restoring confidence, hope, and a sense of purpose.”

To find out more about the employment service visit: www.bdct.nhs.uk/services/making-work-work or email employment.service@bdct.nhs.uk

For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.