Shaw Trust wins new IPS contract in the South West to support people with severe mental health into work.
From April 2026, we’re taking over the existing Individual Placement Support (IPS) service in Bath, North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, now named IPS Focus. Commissioned by the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, it will support people with serious mental health conditions into work.
People will be able to access this service in a range of ways, such as through their GP (primary care) or as part of more specialist mental health support (secondary care).
The regional picture
Almost 10,000 people in the region have a diagnosis of Serious Mental Illness (SMI), and cases are likely to increase as the population grows.
There are also pockets of high deprivation and inequality in the area, including 14 neighbourhoods that sit in the most deprived 10% nationally.
Joining wellbeing and work
Work plays a valuable role in mental health and wellbeing, and vice versa. When done well, IPS delivers on both. We’re one of the largest providers of IPS after the NHS, and our 2025 report shows just how effective it can be when the right support is given at the right time.
With our support:
- 62% of people at risk of falling out of work kept their job.
- 73% of people who found a job kept it for 13 weeks.
- Of those 73%, 68% still had their job 26 weeks later.
- 73% of people who found work improved their wellbeing.
- 63% of people who didn’t find work, but used the programme, still reported improved wellbeing.
IPS can also save taxpayer money.
For secondary care, there’s an estimated £20,000 saving to taxpayers for each person who finds work, due to reduced pressure on services. For primary care, every £1 spent on support gives £2.43 in returns.
Targeting help where it’s needed most
David Harper, Managing Director for Work, Wellbeing and Health, said:
“At Shaw Trust, it’s our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed and find good work, whatever their circumstances.
The data shows that there’s a clear link between health and work, including mental health. IPS looks at the picture holistically, giving people the right support at the right time, to help them find work that’s right for them.
We’re extremely proud to have won this contract in the South West, and to be helping more people to find meaningful work that fits around their needs.”
Dr Georgina Ruddle, Interim Director of All Age Mental Health, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“We are delighted to be working with the Shaw Trust, and are passionate about empowering as many people as possible who are living with a serious mental illness to access employment and training for career development.
“Having a job and forging a successful career path not only supports an individual’s mental health and personal self-esteem, but can have real tangible benefits in other areas too, as we know both working and socialising with others on a regular basis can lead to lives that are happier, healthier and more independent.”
