The Welsh government is investing nearly £8m to continue employment services that help people recovering from physical, mental ill-health and substance misuse remain in work.

The Out of Work Service and In-Work Support Service will be extended until 2025, the deputy minister for mental health and wellbeing, Lynne Neagle, yesterday confirmed.

First launched in August 2016, the Out of Work Service is focused on providing long term support to people recovering from mental health or substance misuse issues. The In-Work Support service provides free access to physiotherapy, psychotherapy and occupational support to people with mental and physical health conditions.

Following a successful pilot, funding will also be given to extend the ‘I Can Work’ Individual Placement Support project in North Wales. The service delivers integrated health and employability support to people recovering from mental health into employment, with a particular focus on 16-24s.

‘The funding announced today will further extend three employability services that have already made a huge impact, helping people gain vital skills, confidence and in many cases qualifications and employment,’ said Ms. Neagle.

‘No one should be held back due to ill-health. The three services are helping those seeking work, those in work and businesses to recognise that working environments should support people with any ill health, whether mental or physical. I am also pleased that the schemes will support those recovering from substance misuse to access better employment opportunities.

‘We have already helped thousands and I am delighted that the extension of the three schemes will help more people across Wales reach their potential.’