This guide outlines key resources available to help you navigate these challenges.

1. Mental Health Support: Able Futures

If you are struggling with your mental health—whether it’s stress, anxiety, or depression—you don’t have to wait for it to reach a breaking point.

Able Futures delivers the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service.

• What they offer: Nine months of one-to-one support from a mental health professional.
• Cost: There is no cost to you or your employer.
• Confidentiality: It is entirely confidential; your employer doesn’t even need to know you are using the service unless you want them to.
• How to access: You can self-refer via able-futures.co.uk.

2. Financial & Employment Support: The DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides several programs aimed at helping people stay in employment despite health conditions or disabilities.

• Access to Work: This is a grant that can pay for practical support if you have a disability or health condition. It can cover things like specialist equipment, travel-to-work costs, or a support worker.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): If your condition affects your daily life or mobility, you may be eligible for PIP regardless of whether you are currently working.
• Universal Credit: For those on lower incomes or who have had their hours reduced, Universal Credit can provide a vital safety net.

3. Resolving Disputes: The Ombudsman & ACAS

If you feel you have been treated unfairly at work or by a service provider, there are formal channels to ensure your voice is heard.

• ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service): Before taking any legal action (like a tribunal), ACAS offers free, impartial advice on workplace rights and helps mediate disputes between employers and employees.
• The Financial Ombudsman Service: If you have issues with workplace pensions or insurance providers that your employer uses, the Ombudsman can step in to resolve complaints if the provider’s internal process fails.
• Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman: If you feel you have been treated unfairly by a government department like the DWP, this is the body that investigates those complaints.

4. Local Support & Community Services

Sometimes the best support is found right in your own backyard. Local authorities and charities offer targeted assistance that national programs might miss.

• Local Councils: Most councils have “Local Welfare Provision” schemes for one-off financial crises and can point you toward local housing or social care support.
• Citizens Advice: A vital first stop for any legal, financial, or employment query. They can help you understand your contract, calculate benefits, or deal with debt.
• Mind & Local Charities: Many local branches of Mind offer “Peer Support” groups and counseling services specifically for those trying to manage their mental health while maintaining a career.

Remember: Seeking support is a sign of strength and a proactive step toward a sustainable career. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a crisis.