IPS: Supporting people into work in the North East

Welcome to our Q&A blog with Daniel Fullard, our Senior IPS Specialist from the Sunderland team. We’re diving into how Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is making a real difference for people on their recovery journeys. Here Daniel shares some highlights from our team and shows how we’re helping people find hope and empowerment through meaningful job opportunities.

Our Sunderland IPS Service was launched in 2023 – the same year as Darlington, Stockton and Hartlepool, and continues to grow, supporting more and more individuals every year!

What have been the biggest achievements of the IPS team in Sunderland over the last year?

After setting up the team we have quickly been able to integrate into the Recovery Community in the Sunderland area and have established a national-leading IPS Services. I could give the wide range of stats and statistics about the successes of IPS, but the service is all about the individuals. The life changing support on offer, the individual stories of people rebuilding lives through employment and being on hand to support a person’s journey.

What do you think has changed in the last 12 months to influence such a positive year?

Increased visibility and utilisation of IPS across the service after years of successes continues to enable us to help people each and every day!

What do you enjoy most about working for IPS?

IPS is a personal service that is given the freedom to help an individual in a tailored way. It’s not a service about facts and figures, it’s a beneficial opportunity about people, and that is why it works!

How important is it for an organisation like Recovery Connections to be able to offer the IPS service?

Employment can be a vital tool in a person’s recovery. Being able to offer a tailored, personal support that is embedded within Recovery Connections has life changing results!

How does IPS support people in Recovery?

IPS is unique in the sense that it offers a personalised structure, that works with a person from the initial early stages all the way through to in work support. Finding options that are suitable for and supporting the individual on every step of the journey!

How many people have been supported by IPS in Sunderland, over the last 12 months?

Over 50 different people helped, supported and maintained in Employment in 2024-2025.

To find out more about how IPS Employment supports people into work a Recovery Connections, visit this page.