"The whole process has been positive"

Initially I was quite anxious but put at ease quite quickly because I realised the employment service was there to facilitate my return to work and take pressure off myself whilst going through recovery for my mental health. I was hoping that my Employment Service would coordinate and liaise with work on my behalf because that at the time was difficult due to my circumstances. During my initial appointment, everything was explained in a professional manner and felt like I was listened to and felt that my mental health needs were respected and met. There was no pre-judgment from Rayhaan.

I found the In-Work Support to be spot on and took the pressure of me from having to liaise directly, in sometimes awkward circumstances, allowing me to focus on my recovery alongside my return to work. It was a professional service, completing all aspects of support for me. Planning my reasonable adjustments and opened my eyes to what adjustments I was entitled to, which I didn’t have a clue about before. Also Rayhaan made sure that this was all put in place following my phased return. It also gave me the confidence to ask for things through my ES. For example asking for my hours to be changed to my requirements, a desk on a particular floor in a particular area, etc. Aftercare from Rayhaan has been great – checking in to see how my return to work has been and that everything has been put in place.

There were no barriers to coming to appointments. Rayhaan asked where I was comfortable to meet and was considerate to my needs allowing me to be comfortable. Even where we met, there was sometimes alarms (which was a trigger for me) and Rayhaan would ask if I would like to change to feel more comfortable which I very much appreciated. Communication from Rayhaan has been fantastic, appointments booked and he always followed up with a confirmation text. He was very easy to talk to and found him very understanding. The biggest help was the joint coordinated meeting with work, HR, OH and C/Co, without that I would’ve struggled to pull the whole return to work plan together. I would not have attended if my ES or C/Co Loveness did not attend which was in a different city and appreciated they both trekked there. This allowed for a structured plan to be formulated for both myself and work.

I feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction that the whole process with IPS has been positive and worked which has resulted in the reasonable adjustments required being implemented. Work following their obligations properly being guided by Rayhaan. It helped to have my ES there as a professional employment mental health worker that nudged them in the right direction. I felt valued because when I got referred I was at a point where I couldn’t see a way of returning to work but my ES made me feel valued in saying that I can still have my job and there was nothing to be ashamed about in asking for reasonable adjustments. I took away that stigma that surrounds mental health and there was never any judgement of mental health conditions.

I’d also like to thank my C/Co Loveness who has supported me extensively. Cathy, who has supported me with medication. Kelly, who has supported me with Therapy. Also, the entire care team at CMHT as other people have helped when I was in crisis but do not remember their names. There isn’t anything to improve. Originally when Cathy told me about the employment service and thought it was only for people seeking work but is appreciative of the service expanding into more retention cases. If the retention did not work, I knew that my ES would help with getting new employment. I appreciated Rayhaan coordinating with my care team where appropriate.

One piece of advice I would give to a future retention client is I would say stick with it and don’t be afraid to ask for all the reasonable adjustments that you require. The employer has a responsibility.