A NEW service has been started to help people with mental illnesses find jobs and keep them.

The service, called Job Club, offered by the Institute of Mental Health, is intended to be a one-stop service for those suffering from mental conditions who are seeking jobs.

Under the service, they will be given individual job counselling.

They will also be assessed to find out if they are psychologically ready to take on a job, and if they have the necessary skills.

They will be trained in basic job skills.

The service's staff will then match them with suitable companies and positions, and visit them while they are on the job to check on their progress.

The staff will help employers understand the psychiatric conditions of their workers, their need for continued treatment, as well as any problems that the workers may encounter while adapting to a new work environment.

The staff will also network with prospective employers or organisations, to expand employment opportunities for individuals with psychiatric conditions.

The service was officially launched yesterday by Madam Halimah Yacob, Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC, and assistant secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress.

During the launch yesterday, the institute also held a ceremony to recognise employers that have hired those with mental conditions.

A total of 59 companies were commended. Job Club is a programme under the National

Mental Health Blueprint, a five-year plan launched in 2007 to improve the mental health of Singaporeans, and to prevent them from developing mental conditions.

The plan includes doubling the number of psychiatrists from the current 108 to about 200 over the next five to 10 years.

Initially, the Health Ministry pledged $88 million to fund various programmes under the plan. It pumped in an additional $35 million in January this year to expand some of the programmes.

Mental problems affect about one in six people here.

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