Increasing the Take-Up of Work Based Learning Provision for Learners with Mental Health Difficulties

1. Establishing the baseline for present provision through LSC data for Train to Gain, Apprenticeships and NVQ's and through a survey of present learning providers.
2. Tracking what can be done to improve services to learners and potential learners through actions like: improved assessment of learners, increased support for learners, increased opportunities for training and placements.

Working with regional Work Based learning providers as pilot Action Research sites.

Work-based learning providers, colleges, private providers, local authorities, voluntary and NHS organisations, people with experience of mental health difficulties, learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, employers.

LSC data collected and survey completed

The regional case studies will be completed by March 2010

Documents
	LSC Data (pdf)

The activities undertaken so far by the Research sites include:

• Increasing support for potential learners such as buddying, befriending (with accreditation being sought for this), life coaching, peer support groups and CVS involvement groups.
• Increasing support for staff while working towards "Mindful Employer".
• Increasing the range of work placements available so that individual choice and placement is a reality.
• Improving initial assessment.
• New ways of developing learners where new sources of funding are being sought.
• Developing Social Enterprises including a walled garden and making and marketing arts and crafts.
• Set of guidance for employers about mental health

To maximise the motivation and opportunity for all people to develop their potential and build upon their existing strengths in order to meet current Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets; expand and improve the range and quality of work-based learning opportunities for people experiencing mental health difficulties.