Charlotte joined the Work and Health Programme having been out of work for several years. Charlotte experienced anxiety, especially in crowded areas, and was initially reluctant to meet her support manager, Matthew, in person. To build rapport and help Charlotte feel at ease, Matthew conducted meetings over the telephone. Matthew discussed the of type of work Charlotte wanted to do, where she stated that she would prefer to work alone, and not be around a lot of people.
Matthew took this on board and, with her permission, referred Charlotte for a cleaning job, working eight hours a week on early morning shifts, which she was happy with.
To prepare to meet her new employer, Charlotte agreed to meet Matthew in the office. Initially Charlotte was very nervous with having a meeting in a busy office, however Matthew reassured her and she became more comfortable in the environment.
Matthew spoke to the employer about Charlotte’s anxiety and they adjusted the interview process to suit her needs. After the interview the employer offered Charlotte the job.
Charlotte’s confidence has grown since being in the role and she is coming across as more relaxed. She has spoken to her employer about doing more hours which was something she would not have considered at the beginning of the programme. She has also developed some close relationships with work colleagues and enjoys her new routine.
What is the Work and Health Programme?
The Work and Health Programme is DWP’s contracted employment provision that will help persons who have a disability and specified disadvantaged groups to find sustained work. The Work and Health Programme will target those who are most likely to benefit from the additional support of the programme:
Participants with Disabilities, an ex-offender or offender, a carer an ex-carer, a homeless person, a member, former member of His Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces, a partner of current or former Armed Forces personnel, a person for whom a drug/alcohol dependency (including a history of) presents a significant barrier to employment, a care leaver, a refugee, young people identified as being involved or at risk of being involved in gangs or serious violence, victims of domestic violence.
Click here to find out more about the Work and Health Programme and how to be referred.