Skip to main content

People's employability, access to the labour market, and social inclusion depend critically on their physical and mental health.

Scientific studies demonstrate the effects of unemployment. Being unemployed is perceived within society as a failure since it may cause:  Financial difficulties, loss of time structures, lack of social support, anxiety about the future, loss of social contacts, etc.

Social exclusion and problems with mental health can result from these things. For instance, there are mental health issues for 33% of those receiving basic income support in Germany. (Study by The Federal Employment Agency's Institute for Employment Market and Career Research). 65% experience two or more mental health issues concurrently, and 30% experience three, ranging from social anxiety to depression.

It's a vicious cycle and a significant obstacle to social inclusion and labour market access- unemployment can cause mental health issues, making it harder to access the labour market.

This project aims to enhance the health, employability, motivation, and abilities of those experiencing unemployment-related mental health issues (communication, teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, etc.); To offer employment chances notwithstanding any health issues; To accelerate and sustain the hiring process.

In partnership with the local university mental clinic, the Job Centre Essen established a programme to coordinate mental health support and labour market access for unemployed people/beneficiaries of minimum income. This combination means simultaneous medical therapy and participation in a labour market program.