Maximus are proud to deliver the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service nationwide to provide tailored mental health support to employees and apprentices struggling to stay in or return to work.
After developing Long Covid, Sarah struggled with her concentration at work, and as a result became anxious about her performance in her role. Her feelings of anxiety were heightened by post-Covid breathing difficulties.
Sarah, a civil servant from South West England, began to feel overwhelmed and unable to cope, and following an occupational health assessment was referred to the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service in March 2022.
Sarah explained: “Accessing the service was very quick and straightforward. I liked the fact that it was possible to self-refer, which gave me the option for the support to remain confidential.”
During regular support sessions with her case worker, Sarah was helped to recognise her feelings as normal for someone experiencing anxiety.
“Her approach was very personalised and attentive – I felt that she was really listening. Having objective support, separate from work or my personal life, made a real difference. During our sessions she shared breathing exercises with me and generally calmed me down, encouraging me to take time for myself – away from work and other factors.
“So far, I’ve had six months of consistent support, and I’m so grateful for it. The tools and techniques they’ve provided are still proving useful in my daily life. Although I haven’t yet fully recovered, MHSS has given me greater confidence talking to colleagues about what I can and can’t do, and improved colleagues’ understanding of what I’m experiencing.”
Through our support, we help thousands of people like Sarah every year to access the help they need to move forward with their lives.
Liz Coombs, Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant, who supported Sarah said:
“From the very first meeting Sarah embraced the MHSS recommendations and understood the need to achieve balance in work and in her personal life. Through the support sessions, she was able to understand that the feelings she experienced were a natural response to the stress she was under, and clearly benefited from speaking to someone who was completely neutral.”
