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Feeling Unwell and Navigating Work Challenges?

When you’re not feeling your best, work-related issues can feel overwhelming. Facing unfamiliar conversations with Managers, HR Advisors, Occupational Health professionals, GPs, or Union representatives can be daunting — but you don’t have to go through it alone.

At VHG, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

How We Can Help While You’re Off Work

  • Empowering You with Practical Tools – We promote coping strategies from IAPT therapy to help you manage work-related stress and build resilience.
  • Collaborative Health Support – We work alongside Occupational Health and your GP, using your Statement of Fitness to identify key areas of concern and tailor support accordingly.
  • Goal Setting That Works for You – Together, we’ll set realistic and meaningful goals to support your recovery and readiness for work.
  • Sustaining Employment – Our aim is to help you stay in work wherever possible, with the right support in place.
  • Phased Return Planning – We’ll engage with your employer to co-design a phased return plan that considers your mental health needs and promotes long-term success.
  • Meeting Preparation & Advocacy – Whether it’s a review or a workplace meeting, we’ll help you prepare and stay focused on your wellbeing.
  • Reasonable Adjustments Advice – We’ll explore practical adjustments that can make your working life more manageable and inclusive.
  • Access to Work Guidance – Need help with your application? We’ll walk you through it.
  • Bringing It All Together – We complement existing support like Employee Assistance Programmes, Access to Work, ACAS, HR policies, and Wellness Recovery Action Plans — creating a joined-up approach that works for you.
  • Looking Ahead – We’ll help you explore ways to prevent future mental health-related sickness and absenteeism, so you feel confident moving forward.
  • Navigating Disclosure – If you’re unsure about sharing health information with your employer, we’ll support you in making informed decisions.

You’re Not Alone

Our Employment Advisors are here to listen, guide, and empower you. We understand that every journey is different, and we’re committed to helping you feel supported, understood, and ready to take the next step — at your pace.

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

Self-help support

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Mental Health

Struggling with your mental health can affect all aspects of your life. You don't need to navigate your struggles alone, we provide a range of self-help guidance to help you manage your thoughts, feelings, and symptoms.

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