7.4 Department of Works and Pension (DWP) Engagement 7.4.1 The DWP is already engaging with the local NHS Health trainers and they attend the Jobcentres in Maidstone, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells on a regular basis to see claimants that the Jobcentre has identified would benefit from their help. 7.4.2 In other parts of the county local Jobcentres have managed to forge successful links with GP surgeries to the benefit of claimants / patients. In Canterbury, Jobcentre Work Coaches were based in GP surgeries on a weekly or monthly basis. They saw patients who were either on benefits or working and were referred by the GPs. This established closer working between the GP surgery and the Jobcentre. Work Coaches then started giving regular talks to groups of GPs to explain how to make best use of the Fit Note. In particular how the use of fit ‘not for can send some patients down a path to long term worklessness. GPs work’ respond well to this since it means them using less of their time and budget on some patients. Those patients on Jobseekers Allowance are likely to present at the surgery far less frequently than if they are on ESA. This presentation doctor’s has also been incorporated into the training for new GPs, who are also offered the opportunity to job shadow a Work Coach in Canterbury Jobcentre. 7.4.3 Jobcentres also have been working closely with Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) providers, including providers seeing their customers in the Jobcentres in some cases. 7.5 Making Every Contact Count - A Single Point of Contact Health and Housing Referral Service 7.5.1 This can ensure people receive the help that they need effectively, with knowledge of services available and links with relevant national and local agencies, including health and social care providers, local housing providers, advice agencies (such as Citizens Advice and money advice organisations), health and social care charities, voluntary organisations and home improvement agencies. 8. Recommendations The Board is recommended to: 8.1
7.4 Department of Works and Pension (DWP) Engagement 7.4.1 The DWP is already engaging with the local NHS Health trainers and they attend the Jobcentres in Maidstone, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells on a regular basis to see claimants that the Jobcentre has identified would benefit from their help. 7.4.2 In other parts of the county local Jobcentres have managed to forge successful links with GP surgeries to the benefit of claimants / patients. In Canterbury, Jobcentre Work Coaches were based in GP surgeries on a weekly or monthly basis. They saw patients who were either on benefits or working and were referred by the GPs. This established closer working between the GP surgery and the Jobcentre. Work Coaches then started giving regular talks to groups of GPs to explain how to make best use of the Fit Note. In particular how the use of ‘not fit for work’ can send some patients down a path to long term worklessness. GPs respond well to this since it means them using less of their time and budget on some patients. Those patients on Jobseekers Allowance are likely to present at the doctor’s surgery far less frequently than if they are on ESA. This presentation has also been incorporated into the training for new GPs, who are also offered the opportunity to job shadow a Work Coach in Canterbury Jobcentre. 7.4.3 Jobcentres also have been working closely with Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) providers, including providers seeing their customers in the Jobcentres in some cases. 7.5 Making Every Contact Count - A Single Point of Contact Health and Housing Referral Service 7.5.1 This can ensure people receive the help that they need effectively, with knowledge of services available and links with relevant national and local agencies, including health and social care providers, local housing providers, advice agencies (such as Citizens Advice and money advice organisations), health and social care charities, voluntary organisations and home improvement agencies. 8. Recommendations The Board is recommended to: 8.1
Final-Version-14-4-16-Report-Welfare-Reforms-and-Housing-and-Planning-Bi-.docx