Employment support

  • Thrive into work

    Thrive into Work offers one-to-one job finding support to people with health challenges. There are 2 organisations that provide this service:
    – Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to people living in Dudley and Walsall. They also provide additional support for the West Midlands.
    – Prospects (part of Shaw Trust) to people in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton.

    This offers a unique approach to employment support that empowers people living with health conditions to find suitable and satisfying work. Research suggests that being in regular work has positive effects on your health. If you have a health condition, being in work can:
    – Help improve support networks.
    – Find ways to manage your health and wellbeing.

    In 2018, WMCA managed a trial to see how effective the programme was. It ended in October 2020. The results from the trial showed that more than 600 people in the region had been helped to find new job roles. Without the programme, many of these people would have been signed-off on long term sick leave. The programme can help people regain confidence, independence and sense of purpose. It’s part of our vision for a​ fairer​, greener​, healthier​ West Midlands​.

    If you want to join the Thrive into Work service, you will get:
    – One-to-one support to suit your needs and employment goals.
    – Support from your health care team to help you manage any difficulties.
    – Advice on benefits to find out if being in work could increase your income.
    – Help with finding a job if you are not in paid employment.
    – Continued support once you have started in a job.
    – Help talking to your employer about your needs at work.
    – Regular and ongoing support online or by phone.

    Website
    Thrive into work

    Leaflet
    Thrive into Work Leaflet (PDF)