Top tips for getting back to work
If you have been out of work for some time the thought of going back can be rather daunting especially if you are worried about earning money and benefits.
Voluntary work builds up your CV and social networks, think broadly though, not just charity shops
- www.do-it.org has a list of local people looking for volunteers or telephone Voluntary Norfolk which is on Pottergate in Norwich
- If reading and writing are holding you back then get these sorted. Find local courses at www.learndirect.co.uk or ring them free on 0800 101 901. You can also go to the learning shop in the forum in Norwich
- Likewise with computer skills you can find courses at www.learndirect.co.uk also Meridian East has a number of courses for people who have never used a computer
- Getting back to work can help your recovery and be a way out of poverty but it is important to find out how your benefits will be affected by work. Your local jobcentre will be able to do a calculation to see what you would need to earn in order to be better off than you are now. Go to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. to find out more or contact your local job centre.
- If you feel ready for work but are not sure if its right for you then there are a number of organizations that can arrange work placements for you try out jobs before you apply. These are listed later in the employment section.
- Working for yourself can be a great route back to work as you can work when you feel able and you are your own boss! You can start in a small way and build up your hours, for instance dog walking, gardening, selling on eBay. There are a number of organizations that can advise you. See self-employment section below.
- Try joining a local L.E.T.S. This is a scheme that allows you to trade skills services and goods without money. It can be a good way to build up business contacts and see what your skills are. contact 01603 50750 or go to www.norlets.org.uk
- Remember the government is keen to help everyone off benefits so there are lots of cash bonuses for people who start work. Although many people who leave benefits and start work say that the good think about working comes from the feeling you are worth something more so than having money
Useful organisations
Quest - If you are under the care programme approach ( CPA) then you can be referred to Quest by your care worker. Quest is a new programme of help run by Meridian East, Mind and Rethink to help you get your life back on track. Ask your care worker to refer you.
Shaw Trust www.shaw-trust.org.uk tel: 08081802002 ( this gets you through to the Norwich office)
- A Charity that help people back into work. People on Employment Support Allowance ( ESA) living in Norwich are automatically referred to this service but you can self refer. If you live elsewhere in Norfolk you may be referred to Meridian East.
- Calculations to show how you could benefit from being in work
- Access to free employment-related courses
- Support to fill out application forms
- Ongoing support once you get a job
Meridian-East www.meridian-east.org tel:0300 1111 4500
Meridian East supports people who want to work, but face disadvantage when it comes to entering the employment market. We help people to overcome barriers and to realise their potential in work and training.
We are active across the whole of Norfolk and our customers include people who are:
- Considering work options
- Preparing and training for work
- Returning to work after a break
- Improving work-related skills
- Actively applying for employment
- Making adjustments to existing employment due to health or disability issues
We also help to sustain people in jobs where their employment is at risk unless appropriate support is put in place (job retention).
A4E 0800 345666 and ask to be put through to the Norwich branch.
- An organization that helps people back into work who face health difficulties
Business in the community www.bitc.org.uk
Business Action on Employability and Skills - Ready for Work is a programme that equips clients with the confidence and skills to re-enter the job market. Part of the BAOES campaign, Ready for Work operates in partnership with local businesses, hostels and other agencies to deliver pre-employment training, work experience placements and post-placement support.
Both Meridian East and the Shaw trust can help you set up your own business but the following organizations are specialists in this area.
Weetu - This is for women only
2 Redwell Street
Norwich
NR2 4SN
tel: 01603 230625
fax: 01603 776426
email: admin@weetu.org
This quote from their website sums up there attitude
“Well behaved women rarely make history" - Laurel Ulrich
Bizfizz natalia.fernandez@neweconomic.org Natalia Fernandez, BizFizz Co-ordinator tel:07940 323 385
A very enthusiastic organization that helps people in certain postcodes in Norwich to set up a business. This is their tag line…
In any community there are people who want to do things, who have a passion - based on an idea, a skill, a hobby or an interest - that they could turn into a business. All they need is a little help, someone to break down the barriers to success. This is BizFizz!
Business link www.BusinessLinkEast.co.uk/Norfolk tel: 0845 601 1000.
A government organization that advices people on how to set up a business.
Free workshops and start your own business boot camps
Advice on Benefits
Disability Rights Norfolk
www.ncodp.org.uk
Unit 15-17, Manor Farm Barns
Fox Road, Framingham Pigot, Norwich NR14 7PZ
01508 491570
Although there base is hard to get to without a car, they run regular sessions at 80 St Stephens Road, Norwich which is one of our bases. You need to make an appointment with Disability Rights Norfolk to make use of this session.
Your can also use the Shaw trust to do a better off calculation for you to see how many hours you would have to work in order to be better off. ( see employment section)
Staying healthy in work
Although work has been shown to help recovery and reduce suicide it can also be stressful. Here are some tips for staying healthy at work.
This section to be completed soon…
Worried about losing your job?
If you are worried about losing your job then you need to act fast. If it is due to illness or disability then you can get help from Meridian East or the Shaw trust ( see employment section).
www.equalityhumanrights.com - great government website detailing your rights in employment with regard to disability.
Voluntary Norfolk are based in Pottergate Norwich and will tell you about any voluntary work available. They use the following website, which details who is looking for volunteers around the country. www.do-it.org . You can just drop in or make an appointment.
The can be contacted as follows:
Postal Address
Voluntary Norfolk
83-87 Pottergate
Norwich NR2 1DZ
Telephone
01603 614474
website www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk
They are not allowed to advise on political parties or religious organizations so you would need to contact these directly.
The Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Foundation Trust has a number of volunteers, if you would like to be a volunteer then contact PALS on 01603 421421.
The citizens advice bureau offer particularly good support and training to volunteers
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/join-us/volunteer_bureau_
St Vedast House
5-7 St. Vedast Street, Norwich NR1 1BT
01603 765 783
Advice and guidance with regard to mental illness and employment
Contact
Helen Simpson-Slapp
Helen.simpson-slapp@nwmhp.nhs.uk
01603 201482