166 people in Norfolk & Waveney helped back into work by employment service
Specialist employment advisors who support people who have received care from the NHS Wellbeing service in Norfolk and Waveney to find new and fulfilling employment are celebrating success after helping 166 people back into work in a year.
The employment advisors work alongside the Wellbeing service to help people returning to work from a period of sick leave and people who are currently out of work.
Anthony, who lives in Norfolk was helped back into work by an employment advisor after he lost all his confidence in looking for a job after a period of mental illness.
“I had waves of emotion during my period of mental health issues. Focus and control were both very difficult for me. A five-minute conversation with HMRC or my pension provider was beyond me at times.
"Richard, the employment advisor I worked with, was able to coax me and encourage me to a point where I was able to start slowly making headway toward a job. It was great to soundboard my thinking with him and on occasion he provided emotional support for me too.
"I was able to have my first interview last year and from there I built confidence and got my brain working again. I started being shortlisted and head hunted which boosted me no end. Richard was there for me throughout the process. As I approached the point of getting an offer, he continued to give me assurance that I could work and be as successful as before.
“I’m working again now, and I know I have a future and I’m in control of what it is. I couldn’t have done it without the support of Richard and hope that my story will show other people that there is hope, that they are loved and there is a future for them.”
Stuart Richardson, deputy CEO at NSFT, said: “Good employment is often a very significant factor in supporting good mental health at any time but especially so during such a challenging period.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work that our staff do to support people to live their hopes, dreams and aspirations.”
If you feel you would benefit from working with an employment advisor please contact the Wellbeing service on 0300 123 1503 or visit https://www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/norfolk/