Employment Support Programme
Tailored employment support for people accessing NHS Talking Therapies services in Kent and Medway
If you are struggling with your mental health and you find that your employment is affected, we are WithYou. Through our NHS Talking Therapies service, we can provide free advice and support.
Employment Support
To complement the support provided by a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Therapist or Counsellor within KM Talking Therapies you can also access voluntary support from an Employment Advisor which often continues alongside your treatment.
Our support allows you to focus on your employment difficulties which may be impacting you as a result of low-mood or anxiety or directly due to your work and can help you if you are currently in work, off sick or unemployed and seeking work.
How does Employment Support work?
Work plays an important if not vital role in our lives. It is therefore important to consider how performance expectations at work make you feel and how your work leaves you feeling each day, whether it has resulted in a period of sickness or absence.
From the onset, we will help you to initially identify and agree on an employment goal, then together plan the steps needed to support you to achieve your goal. At times we may also help you to identify where you can access specialist support and advice, to help you make an informed decision on progressing your concerns
Each support package is individually tailored to meet your personal circumstances and requirements.
We can provide support to help
Here's how we can support you and your employment.
Return to work
When you aren’t feeling well, work problems can feel overwhelming and having to take part in unfamiliar conversations with individuals including Managers, HR Advisors, Occupational Health Advisors, GPs and Union reps can feel very daunting. We can help make those conversations easier.
Remain in work
Employment Advisors can guide you through such conversations by providing practical information and advice to understand the processes and provide your input into them to aid support and recovery.
Find work
Finding new employment can be a challenging process at the best of times, but even more so when we are experiencing difficulties in our wellbeing, which impacts our motivation and mood. Employment Advisors can help you review your job search needs and create a plan of action including local provisions that can continue supporting you after your time with us.
Support can also continue after you have been discharged from your therapist.
How do I access the employment support programme?
If you are currently receiving NHS Talking Therapies services, you can speak to your therapist about your employment needs and they can refer you for the Employment Support programme.
