The program aims to help those with mental health issues find meaningful employment. (SHUTTERSTOCK)
New funding for a job program hopes to help break down the barriers that people with mental health issues face when it comes to finding employment.
The Manitoba government and the Canadian Mental Health Association are expanding a program with the goal of helping EIA recipients with mental health concerns find jobs, said Families Minister Scott Fielding Friday.
“Barriers to employment can negatively impact a person’s mental wellness and result in increased stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation,” he said. “This initiative with CMHA supports our government’s goal to help EIA participants find the most direct route to employment and the program is showing positive results.”
The province will help fund the program with a $200,000 annual payment to the CMHA’s Employment with Supports program. The money will go to hiring two more employment specialists in Manitoba.
“The goal is to assist people to gain competitive employment by working in partnership with them to develop a resume, prepare for interviews, learn interpersonal and interview skills, understand workplace expectations and maintain wellness on the job,” said Marion Cooper, executive director of CMHA, Manitoba and Winnipeg.
The program will help with:
• assisting people to find a job, within six months of starting the program;
• assisting individuals to complete a return-to-work action plan;
• matching people with employers in the community; and
• supporting the individual when required, to help ensure they maintain their employment.
-Staff
