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How does employment support work?

Work is a big part of our daily lives, shaping our wellbeing, confidence, and sense of purpose. When workplace pressures, sickness absence, or uncertainty about your career begin to affect your mental health, it’s important to get the right support.

Our Employment Advice Service, available through Talking Therapies in the UK, offers free, confidential support for people experiencing difficulties at work or with finding work due to stress, anxiety, or depression. We help you explore your options, build confidence, and take positive steps towards your employment goals.

Whether you’re:

  • Out of work and ready for new opportunities
  • Feeling unfulfilled in your current role and craving change
  • Facing challenges such as unfair treatment, redundancy, or lack of support at work
  • Returning to work after a period of sickness or leave
  • Considering a career change and seeking expert guidance
  • Retired but looking to stay active through volunteering opportunities

…our team is here to empower you, provide practical advice, and connect you with the right resources. Whatever stage you’re at, you don’t have to face it alone.

Once you’ve self-referred into Talking Therapies and attended your assessment, your therapist may recommend Employment Support if it’s right for you. Together, we’ll set clear employment goals and create a tailored plan to help you achieve them. Where needed, we can also guide you to specialist organisations for expert advice on specific issues, such as workplace rights, redundancy, or career planning.

Please note: You cannot refer directly to Employment Support. All referrals must come through your Talking Therapies therapist.

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Self-refer

If you are suffering from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, low mood or excessive worry, NHS Talking Therapies can provide you with advice, guidance and support.

Here’s what our Employment Support Service can offer:

Personalised Career Advice

Let’s explore your strengths, passions, and goals to shape a career path that excites and motivates you.

Advocacy & Employment Issue Support

If you’re facing challenges at work related to employment rights, we’ll support you with advice, advocacy, and mediation.

In-work Support

We are here to give guidance on reducing work related stress and practical help with requesting reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

Job Search Support

From finding the right roles to navigating job boards, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Application Support

We’ll help you craft engaging applications that showcase your value to get you noticed.

CV & Cover Letter Guidance

Stand out with a CV and cover letter that reflect your unique journey and strengths.

Interview Skills Coaching

Build confidence, prepare for success, and learn how to shine in interviews.

Apprenticeship & Upskilling Advice

Explore hands-on learning and career development options that fit your lifestyle and goals.

Education & Training Insights

Signpost to courses and learning pathways that open doors to new possibilities.

Volunteering & Work Experience Support

Find meaningful ways to reconnect with work, build confidence, and gain experience.

Signposting to Specialist Services

We’ll connect you with expert organisations for additional support tailored to your needs.

Redundancy Support

Navigate change with clarity and confidence – we’ll help you explore your next chapter.

How can we help

Support designed for you

Our feedback has shown, by providing psychologically informed employment focussed interventions, individuals have reported feeling more empowered and therefore achieving improved mental health and employment outcomes.

A person is standing and smiling, wearing glasses, a black top, and a blue skirt. They are in an indoor setting with shelves and plants in the background.

I just wanted to let you know I passed my probation period, and also got promoted to a higher role!

Employment Support Service User

A person is sitting and smiling on a sofa. They are wearing a green jacket. The background features a bookshelf with books and plants, and a brick wall.

I just wanted to tell you because you were a massive reason I was able to get this job in the first place. 

Employment Support Service User

A person is sitting outdoors, smiling slightly at the camera. The background features lush greenery, creating a serene, natural setting.

I know 100%, without your help I would not have got the job or felt prepared for any of the interviews I’ve had, as I had no clue how to conduct myself in the right manner with my anxiety, but you really made me feel so calm and relaxed right from the first call, and gave me all I needed to feel confident in the interviews.

Employment Support Service User

A person is smiling, holding a rolled-up document, and wearing a black top. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.

You really did change my life for the better and therefore I wanted to email to show you my gratitude. I’ll be forever grateful.

Employment Support Service User