Strengthening Talents and Employment Pathways – Unlocking Potential in mental health recovery (STEP-UP)

STEP-UP aims to strengthen the effectiveness and accessibility of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) trajectories for people with mental health problems, particularly those with a lower socioeconomic position or a migration background. Grounded in action research principles, the project addresses two central questions: (1) how IPS professionals can better identify and address individual barriers to employment, and (2) how contextual and systemic barriers influence access to and outcomes of IPS trajectories.

To address these questions, we will establish a Community of Practice (CoP) as the foundation for ongoing, participatory knowledge exchange among stakeholders. Together, we will co-develop a modular screening pathway and practical support tools that help uncover strengths, build motivation, and reduce barriers to work. These tools will be implemented and evaluated in everyday IPS practice, using a mixed-methods approach that captures both individual experiences and broader systemic dynamics.

The project is organized into four work packages. WP1 builds and facilitates the CoP. WP2 focuses on the iterative development of screening and support tools. WP3 implements and evaluates these tools in practice. WP4 ensures broad dissemination and long-term embedding in policy and IPS routines. Two PhD candidates will lead the research, focusing respectively on individual-level and system-level challenges.

By fostering cross-sector collaboration and developing accessible, context-sensitive tools, the project contributes to more tailored and equitable employment support for people with mental health problems in the Netherlands.