This blog has been updated since last published in 2022
Mental Health Awareness Week is a time for people to come together and raise awareness about mental health issues that affect millions of individuals worldwide.
Here at neurobox, we also thought it would a good chance to highlight the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service – which offers free mental health support to help people start or stay in work.
The support is free to employees and employers.
Ahmed is a paediatric nurse working full-time in a local hospital. Over the last year, he has experienced increasing anxiety and low mood, impacting his ability to carry out his job role. Specifically, he finds it increasingly difficult to focus on individual tasks and struggles to manage and prioritise his workload. He is frequently overwhelmed and unable to get to work on time. Ahmed visits his GP, putting him on the waiting list for counselling and suggesting that Ahmed contacts the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service (MHSS).
The MHSS puts Ahmed in contact with a vocational rehabilitation consultant called Noah. At the first meeting, Noah introduces himself and the service, then explains the service parameters: a nine-month support programme specifically tailored to address the impact of Ahmed’s mental health in the workplace. Noah clarifies that he is not a medical doctor, psychologist or counsellor, and cannot offer clinical advice. Noah takes a detailed history from Ahmed of his mental health condition and workplace triggers. Noah builds trust with Ahmed through open questions and active listening techniques to help him disclose his concerns.
Ahmed and Noah devise a support plan to include practical advice and coping strategies for Ahmed to use in the workplace. For example:
Noah also recommended some workplace adjustments and wellbeing support for Ahmed’s support plan. For example:
Nine months later, Ahmed reports feeling better equipped to cope with his workload and less overwhelmed daily. He has strategies to plan and prioritise his work tasks, producing a more optimistic attitude towards his work and helping him manage his mental health.
Able Futures is a nationwide specialist partnership set up to provide the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Call Able Futures free on 0800 321 3137 from 8am to 10.30pm on Monday to Friday to find out more or visit their website to apply online.
Call Maximus free on 0300 456 8114 from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday to find out more or visit their website to fill out an enquiry form.
[1] Bank J, Karjalainen H & Propper C (2020) IFS Briefing Note BN281 Recessions and health: The long-term health consequences of responses to coronavirus. London. Institute of Fiscal Studies.
Dr. Deborah Leveroy is Neurodiversity and Inclusion Lead at neurobox. She works with organisations to advance neuro-inclusion strategy and practice. Deborah has a PhD in Dyslexia, inclusion and performer training from the University of Kent.
Her research is published by Routledge in peer-reviewed journals and edited collections. Current research interests include Neuroinclusive return to work practices and remote working. Previous roles include Disability Advisor for Remploy’s BBC workplace adjustment contract, Strategy Coach and Workplace Needs Assessor for PAM occupational health and Study Skills Tutor for several DSA providers.
