TALKWORKS launches employment support to help adults find and return to work

TALKWORKS, Devon’s NHS talking therapies service, is now offering employment support to help adults across the whole of Devon (outside Plymouth) find, remain in or get back to work. Employment support will be available free of charge for adults (age 18+) who are receiving therapy from TALKWORKS.

With today being World Mental Health Day, and the theme being ‘it’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace’, the new offer will provide adults (age 18+) with the opportunity to access support to meet their employment needs.

The NHS service helped over 11,000 people complete treatment for a common mental health difficulty in 2023, and has now expanded to add employment advisors into the service. The employment support offer includes help with job applications, such as support with writing a CV, the interview process, finding volunteer opportunities and accessing further education. TALKWORKS can also help people manage work-related stress, and support those returning to work after a period of absence. The employment support team will work with each individual to decide what’s most helpful for their overall wellbeing.

Gemma Frisby, TALKWORKS Operational and Professional Lead, said: “A recent evaluation of the role of employment advisors in NHS talking therapies has shown improved mental health for patients where there is a combined offer of employment support and therapy. We are therefore really excited about the opportunity to expand our employment support provision which can help people to find, remain in or get back to work.”

TALKWORKS offers a range of free, confidential treatment options for common mental health difficulties, such as low mood, sleep problems, stress and anxiety, delivered by registered and accredited NHS clinicians. This includes one-to-one sessions with a therapist, available face-to-face, over the phone or via video call.

The NHS talking therapies service also offers interactive group courses, wellbeing workshops and access to online self-help as part of its treatment options.

TALKWORKS is a self-referral service and open to adults (age 18+) across Devon (outside Plymouth, which is covered by Plymouth Options NHS Talking Therapies). You can refer yourself for support without needing to see a GP or healthcare professional, either online via our TALKWORKS website, or by calling 0300 555 3344.