Our services

Some people with SMI are not currently under secondary mental health services but still face significant employment barriers. Connect to Work offers specialist employment support that is sensitive to the complexities of SMI, helping people access suitable roles and sustain employment safely.

Connect to Work provides around 12 months holistic, Person Centred Employment Support from a dedicated Employment Specialist. Participants receive tailored, wraparound support:

Build confidence and motivation: Support focuses on helping individuals feel ready, capable, and empowered to move toward employment. This can involve:

• Rebuilding self‑belief after periods of unemployment, illness, or difficult life events.
• Exploring fears or worries about returning to work and developing ways to manage them
• Setting small, achievable steps that create a sense of progress and momentum.
• Encouraging positive routines that support wellbeing and readiness for work.
• Helping individuals recognise their strengths, achievements, and personal growth.
• Providing consistent encouragement and reassurance during setbacks or challenges.

Identify strengths and employment goals through Vocational Profiling: Vocational Profiling is a structured, person centred process that helps individuals understand what work suits them best. It includes:

• Reviewing previous jobs, voluntary roles, education, and life experience.
• Identifying transferable skills, natural talents, and areas of interest.
• Exploring preferred working environments, hours, pace, and support needs.
• Understanding personal values and what makes work meaningful for the individual.
• Matching strengths and aspirations with realistic job options and career pathways.
• Creating a clear, personalised employment plan that guides next steps.
• Ensuring the individual feels ownership of their goals and confident in their direction.

Overcome complex barriers linked to mental health or disability: Support is tailored to help individuals manage challenges that may be preventing them from finding or keeping work. This may involve:

• Addressing anxiety, low mood, trauma, or confidence issues related to employment.
• Developing coping strategies for symptoms that affect concentration, communication, or routine.
• Problem solving practical barriers such as transport, finances, or lack of structure.
• Supporting individuals to navigate stigma, discrimination, or previous negative work experiences.
• Helping people understand their rights around reasonable adjustments and workplace support.
• Coordinating with mental health teams, GPs, or other services to ensure joined up support.
• Building resilience so individuals feel able to sustain work long term.

Access inclusive, meaningful job opportunities. Connect to Work helps individuals find roles that are suitable, sustainable, and aligned with their goals. This includes:

• Connecting individuals with employers who are committed to inclusive recruitment.
• Identifying vacancies that match skills, interests, and support needs.
• Supporting with CV writing, application forms, and interview preparation.
• Advocating for reasonable adjustments, supportive onboarding, or phased starts.
• Helping individuals understand job descriptions, expectations, and workplace culture.
• Ensuring the job is not only available but genuinely meaningful, appropriate, and aligned with long term wellbeing.
• Providing ongoing support during the early stages of employment to help the individual settle in successfully.