Despite what we might sometimes think, work generally has a positive effect on our mental well-being. It has been said that work provides hope, motivation, and a reason to get up in the morning. People with mental ill health have the lowest levels of employment of any of the disability groups. Yet, given the opportunity, many would like to work and with the right level of support, this is an achievable aspiration.
The Vocational Advice Service can help both individuals and employers:
- Offering one to one support with job searching
- Assisting with CV's, job applications and interview preparation
- Giving general advice on benefits and the Disability Discrimination Act
- Helping to find voluntary work as a stepping stone to paid employment
The service can also help people in work who are struggling to hold onto their job because of mental health problems. Our vocational advisors can liaise with both employer and employee to help develop strategies which will help people to keep their jobs. Job retention is an important business issue. It is estimated that £2.4 billion a year is spent on replacing staff lost due to mental health problems. Vocational advisors offer a number of services for employers, including:
- Giving general advice on mental health issues
- Helping to come up with reasonable adjustments and phased returns to work which will help employers to keep valued employees
- Delivering seminars, workshops and mental health training for managers.