[Work Well] Information for carers

We know if you’re caring for someone who is thinking about going back to work, you may have questions or concerns. 
This page contains information about what employment support will mean for you and the person you are caring for. 

Why has the person I care for been referred to an employment service?

Work Well services are voluntary. We only take referrals from people who want help to find or stay in work. 


If the person you care for has started receiving support from an employment coach, this is because they have expressed they would like employment support as part of their recovery journey. 

Why does South London and Maudsley provide employment services for patients?

People living with mental health problems in London are 26 per cent less likely to be in employment compared to those without mental health problems. 
When looking specifically at people living with severe mental illness (SMI), less than 8 per cent are in employment despite 80 per cent of people living with SMI wanting to work. 


We are passionate about supporting people to achieve their employment goals, not only because they want to, but because the evidence on employment and mental health is clear. 


Lengthy periods of unemployment and poor work environments can be damaging to our mental health. At the same time, high quality jobs with supportive employers have been proven to positively impact our wellbeing. 


Employment support services are integrated within mental health services across the UK. This is because they are considered an essential part of mental health treatment and can play a key role in a patient’s recovery journey. 


The primary goal of our dedicated employment coaches is to improve the health and wellbeing of our clients. 

What are the benefits of employment?

Research has shown that our employment status can significantly impact our mental health and wellbeing.

Lengthy periods of unemployment and poor work environments can be damaging to our mental health. At the same time, high quality jobs with supportive employers have been proven to positively impact our wellbeing. 

That’s why we are passionate about supporting clients well suited jobs that match their career goals. 

  • Other benefits of employment include:
  • Social interaction
  • Developing relationships and other support networks
  • Increased independence 
  • Improving knowledge and skills
  • Personal fulfilment
  • Financial stability 

What if the person I care for isn’t ready to return to work?

It is understandable if you’re worried about someone returning to work after a period of ill health.  
  
Employment is often viewed as the result of getting better, but we believe work can play a key role during the recovery journey. 
  
The most important thing is that our clients have a desire to find work.  
  
Clients will be supported by their employment coach to create a tailored action plan to help them achieve their career goals as part of their recovery. It will take into consideration their health status and any barriers currently being faced. 
  
Our employment coaches will aim to: 

  • Help clients become work-ready
  • Make sure potential jobs and workplaces are well suited to clients
  • Support clients to settle in and thrive in their new role 

Support in preparation for the job search might include: 

  • Exercises to build the client’s confidence and resilience
  • Exploring the client’s career interests and aspirations
  • Identifying the client’s skills, strengths and areas for growth
  • Developing skills such as time management and coping with stress
  • Attending networking opportunities, such as job fairs and industry events

Support during the application and interview process might include: 

  • Making sure job opportunities are aligned with the client’s interests and skills
  • Finding roles match the client’s needs, such as roles with part time hours or flexible/remote working 
  • Evaluating the values and organisational culture of potential employers to check if it’s a good fit for the client 
  • Helping clients to find employers who are committed to supporting people with mental health conditions (such as Disability Confident employers) 
  • Identifying and recommending reasonable adjustments to make the workplace more accessible for the client 
  • With the client’s permission, sharing health information with an employer before applying to assess suitability of roles

Support when accepting and starting a new role might include: 

  • Ongoing sessions/contact with the client to resolve any concerns or issues that arise 
  • Supporting the client in deciding whether to share health information with their employer 
  • Helping the client maintain a healthy work/life balance and recognise signs of burnout 
  • Assisting the client in developing professional relationships and finding support networks within the workplace

With the client’s consent, employment coaches can also: 

  • Communicate directly with employers to make sure reasonable adjustments are in place 
  • Share health information with employers on behalf of the client 
  • Provide employers with information, resources, and training about the client’s mental health condition to make sure the client receives the appropriate support they need in the workplace

Employment coaches work closely with clinicians and therapists throughout to make sure their support positively impacts the client’s mental health and wellbeing. 

Do you provide any support for carers?

Our one-to-one career coaching services are only able to support South London and Maudsley patients. 

Our free employment courses in collaboration with the SLaM Recovery College are open to anyone with a connection to South London and Maudsley. There are a range of courses on different employment focused topics. Click here to find out more. 

There may be other organisations local to you that provide free employment support. Click here to find out more. 

If you aren’t sure who to contact, you can email WorkWell@slam.nhs.uk for help finding other support. 

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