Programme

Get ready for two inspiring days of learning, exchange and connection across Europe. Chaired by Dr. Barbara Stringer, Director of Phrenos Centre of Expertise, we will kick off the conference by setting the stage for our shared ambition: shaping the future of IPS together!

What role does meaningful work play in the recovery journey of people with mental health challenges? Prof. dr. Floortje Scheepers will explore the value of work and why employment can be an important part of recovery.

Where have we come from, where are we now, and where are we heading with IPS in the Netherlands and across Europe? Dr. Lars de Winter takes us through the history of IPS, the latest research and data, current initiatives and the way forward.

How does IPS look in different European contexts? Hear short and inspiring pitches from Belgium, Finland and Czechia, and discover what we can learn from different approaches and experiences.

Dive deeper into the themes shaping the future of IPS through interactive workshops led by IPS professionals from across Europe. Share experiences, challenge ideas and take home new insights for your own practice and context.

What can we learn from IPS implementation in the USA and Europe? Hear perspectives from the USA and Europe as Ana Florence, Gary Johnston, Angelo Fioretti and Jaap van Weeghel explore the similarities, differences and common ground shaping IPS implementation.

Grab a coffee and join the conversation. Building on the USA-Europe session, this is your chance to exchange experiences and ideas with peers, discuss a series of statements and reflect together on what we can learn from different perspectives on IPS implementation.

Continue the conversation in a second round of interactive workshops focused on research and policy. Connect with colleagues from across Europe and explore practical ways to translate knowledge into stronger IPS implementation.

Why does IPS thrive in some contexts while implementation proves challenging in others? Jaakko Harkko explores the barriers and facilitators that shape IPS implementation across different contexts and organisational levels, offering insights into what can help IPS succeed in practice.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Join us for complimentary drinks at Savor & Nosh on Witte de Withstraat, one of Rotterdam’s most vibrant streets. A chance to unwind, celebrate and keep the conversation going after the conference.

Join fellow participants for a relaxed conference dinner in the heart of Witte de Withstraat. Enjoy good food, great conversations and a chance to unwind together after a full day of IPS.

Please note that the dinner is self-funded. Payment will be made during morning registration; both cash (exact amount) and card payments are accepted.

From inspiration to practice! Chaired by Dr. Barbara Stringer, we’ll reflect on key insights from day one and set the stage for a day focused on practical learning, exchange and putting IPS into action.

Finding a job is only part of the journey. Creating a healthy and sustainable working environment matters too. Prof. Ulrika Bejerholm explores employer engagement and the conditions that can help people thrive at work.

How does IPS look in different European contexts? Hear short and inspiring pitches from the United Kingdom, Italy and Norway, and discover what we can learn from different approaches and experiences.

How can IPS respond to the needs of different groups while staying true to its core principles? Join Inge Bonfils and Kristoffer Andersen as they explore innovative approaches to IPS for young adults and people with substance use disorders, sharing lessons from practice and research.

Different contexts bring different challenges. How would you approach them? Reflect together on the dilemmas raised in the country pitches, exchange experiences and explore how IPS can be adapted to different contexts while maintaining its core principles.

Roll up your sleeves and take the conversation from theory to practice! In this interactive workshop round, explore practical challenges and solutions with IPS colleagues from across Europe.

Strong IPS starts with skilled and supported professionals. This session brings together research from Italy and lessons learned from the UK to explore the professional role, training, competencies and well-being of IPS employment specialists.

End the conference with a story of recovery, reflection and music. Mike Boddé shares his personal journey, accompanied by music at the piano, bringing two inspiring days of IPS to a memorable close.

The European IPS journey continues! Gary Johnston introduces the UK as our next host country and gives us a glimpse of what’s to come.