Employment Support

Free, confidential and practical support for your work and wellbeing

Work is more than a job. It often shapes our identity, our routine and our sense of meaning. When work becomes challenging, when illness interrupts your routine, or when you start questioning your direction in life, it can leave you feeling disconnected from the things that once gave you purpose.

Our Employment Support service is here to help you reconnect with that sense of purpose, whether that means rebuilding confidence in your current role, finding a new direction that feels more aligned with who you are or rebuilding after a difficult period.

Who we help

Our employment advisers work alongside NHS Talking Therapies to offer free and confidential help for people whose difficulties at work or with finding work are linked to stress, anxiety or low mood. We can help if you are:

• Currently out of work and want support exploring new roles, industries or opportunities that match your skills and confidence.
• In a job that no longer feels suitable and are considering whether a change could improve your wellbeing.
• Dealing with difficulties at work, such as feeling unsupported, experiencing conflict, or facing issues like redundancy or unfair treatment or struggling to manage mental health at work.
• Off work due to illness and want guidance on how to rebuild your confidence and plan a safe, structured return.
• Thinking about a different career direction and would benefit from space to explore your options with expert guidance.
• Retired or no longer in formal employment but would like to stay involved through volunteering or community‑based opportunities.

We focus on what matters to you. Together, we create a plan that supports your wellbeing and your work goals.

How Employment Services works?

1. Access Talking Therapies: Start by making a referral to NHS Talking Therapies. After your assessment, your clinician will discuss whether employment support could help.
2. Meet your employment adviser: If suitable, you will be introduced to an adviser who will work with you alongside your therapy. Sessions are goal focused and practical.
3. Agree a personalised plan: Together you will set clear aims and steps. This may include confidence building, job search support, workplace communication or return to work planning.
4. Specialist signposting when needed: If you need advice beyond our scope, we can connect you with trusted organisations for expert guidance on topics such as redundancy, legal rights or career planning.

What to Expect from Sessions

• A supportive, confidential space to discuss work and wellbeing
• Practical actions after each session
• Joint working with your Talking Therapies clinician
• Respect for your pace, goals and choices

Confidentiality

Your information is always treated with care and confidentiality. With your consent, we can work with your employer, GP, or other services to support your plan in the most helpful way. If you would like to learn more about who delivers this service, you can visit our About Us page for further information.

How to Access Employment Support

You cannot self‑refer directly into the employment team. To access support:

1. Start with a NHS Talking Therapies referral (self‑referral or via your GP). To self-refer click here.
2. Attend your assessment.
3. Tell your clinician if work, money issues, employment issues, training education issues or retirement are affecting your mental health.
4. Your clinician will consider referring you to our Employment Advice Service.