Government invests to help unemployed suffering depression

The government is to invest 13 million pounds to help unemployed people who are suffering from depression to get back into the workplace.

Under the terms of the scheme, it is hoped a greater number of those who are on long-term sick leave or unable to seek employment due to anxiety will be aided to recovery.

The money will be used to fund a faster roll-out of talking therapy services around the country this year with the intention of having these provisions in every area by 2010.

A dedicated NHS Direct phone line will be operated by health advisers who are trained to spot callers who may be experiencing depression because of economic problems.

There will also be improvements to the advice and information online.

Health secretary Alan Johnson, who launched the scheme, explained there may be more people suffering from lower levels of mental wellbeing at the moment due to the global financial climate.

“That’s why I am going further and faster to make sure that services are in place to support people affected psychologically by the recession,” he commented.

In other news, national No Smoking Day takes place this week on March 11th.