The Work and Health Programme

As part of our series on employment we spoke to Shaw Trust, a charity helping to transform the lives of young people and adults across the UK. Shaw Trust run a programme for  DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) called the Work and Health Programme . They gave us the lowdown on what the programme is, who it’s for (spoiler alert: it could be for you!), and how you can get involved.

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What is the Work and Health Programme?

The Work and Health Programme is to support people who are looking for a job, but may be struggling to find a suitable role, one which you can enjoy, meets your aspirations and can be managed alongside any other needs.

If your epilepsy, or another condition that you have, means you are classed as disabled, and you are currently not in any form of employment – you might be eligible for the Shaw Trust programme.  

What makes this different?

This programme treats you as an individual, the people involved know everyone is different, and your hopes and ambitions, and what you can, and want, to do is different, and that’s important. It’s not a “one-size fits all” approach, but your support manager will get to you know, and work with you to support you into finding a job.

What can I expect?

You will get a dedicated support worker who will really get to know you, and work with you. They will meet with you (face-to-face near where you live, or virtually), and will work with you to create an action plan that is specific to you. It will take into account who you are and what you want to do and will help to support you getting into work for the long term.

The programme lasts for 15 months, and there is a 6 month extension for those who are new into the world of work to support that transition into employment.

What support will I get?

Your support worker can help to organise a number of things including

  • Confidence building activities,
  • Volunteering opportunities,
  • Support into self-employment,
  • Identify suitable work placements,
  • Speak to your employer about adjustments that could help,
  • Get you involved with people and programmes which can support your mental wellbeing
  • … And much much more.
Great, so how can I get involved?

The Work and Health Programme is delivered in England, locally to you. It matters where you live to where you need to go to get support.

You can speak directly to your Work Coach at the Jobcentre Plus, if you have one. They are able to put you in touch with the right person and help to find out if this programme is right for you.

Otherwise you can reach the organisations directly and refer yourself onto the programme. It matters where you live to who can support in your local area.

If you live in Central England and the Home Counties, you need to visit Shaw Trust, or email them: self-referral@shaw-trust.org.uk  or you can call them on 0800 389 0082.

If you live in Wales, you need to visit Remploy, or email them: waleswhp@mail.remploy.co.uk or you can call them on 0300 456 8025.

If you live in the North East, you need to visit Better Working Futures, part of Reed in Partnership, complete a sign-up form via this link and someone will be in touch, or you can call them on 0800 015 5332.

If you live in North West, you need to visit Ingeus, or email them: info@ingeus.co.uk​, or complete the contact-us form, and someone will be in touch or you can call them on +44 207 265 3000​.

If you live in Southern England, you need to visit Pluss, email them: employment.bureau@pluss.org.uk,​ or complete a contact form for someone to get back to you or you can call them on 0800 334 5525.

If you live in Greater Manchester, you need to visit InWork GM and refer yourself via https://www.inworkgm.co.uk/join-the-programme#self-referral-form and someone will be in touch. 

If you live in East London you need to visit Maximus, email them: whplondon@maximusuk.co.uk, or you can call them on 0300 456 8205.

If you live in West London you need to visit The Shaw Trust, email them: self-referral@shaw-trust.org.uk, or you can call them on 0800 389 0082.

If you live in Central London you need to visit https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/, email them: info@trustforlondon.org.uk, or you can call them on  020 7606 6145.

If you live in South London you need to visit https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/, email them: enquiries@disabilityrightsuk.org, or you can call them on 0330 995 04000.

What if the programme isn’t right for me?

If you decide that the programme isn’t for you, that’s ok. There are other programmes out there which might be more suitable. This includes the IPES (that’s Intensive Personalised Employment Support). And you can speak to Shaw Trust about your options.

You can also contact the National Careers Service to get help and advice. The National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices. This service is available to people who live in England. To find out you can call 0800 100 900 or visit the website https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/.

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