Our Portsmouth based Employment Advice Service supports those who are experiencing work-related difficulties as a result of a severe or enduring mental health issue. It also seeks to find suitable employment for those who are unemployed but well enough to return to work. Our employment advisors work on a one-to-one basis and offer assistance and guidance on a number of issues including; workplace bullying and discrimination, disciplinary and suspension, and work-related stress. In addition, they work directly with employers to ensure employees with mental health issues are being supported in accordance with their needs. Individuals that attend the nurse-led Clinic at St Mary’s can be referred to our Employment Clinic, held every Friday, 2-4pm in St Mary’s Third Floor. Professionals can also use this service to ask any employment related questions regarding clients. Support is tailored to meet the needs of the individual, but might include:
•Help overcoming barriers that may be causing jeopardy to current employment
•Support in keeping lines of communication open between employee and employer during sickness absence
•Support through a phased return to work, after a period of ill health
•Support during absence review meetings and disciplinary or grievance hearings
•Support disclosing difficult or sensitive personal information to an employer
•Help with seeking employment and volunteering opportunities (CV writing, effective job searching, interview techniques)
•Benefit advice and support and assistance with accessing the Job Centre and making contact with its Disability Employment Advisors
•The implementation of an assessment to identify work-related goals and to determine the steps needed to achieve these
•Support accessing education and training opportunities
•Linking with and signposting to other services, should they be more suitable
How to access this service
Adults aged over 16 who have a mental health issue and an employment-related support need are eligible for this service. Speak to your GP or ask to be referred to us by your Talking Change or Adult Mental Health practitioner. For more information and to speak to one of our employment advisors, please call 023 9273 7106.
