We’re experts at helping people to start working

Referrals to Better Working Futures are now closed.

Better Working Futures – our name for the government’s Work and Health Programme – is a support service designed to help unemployed people, by providing personal advice and guidance, skills training and health support.

Whilst we continue to work collaboratively with our participants and other services in the community to offer the best possible support for their personal circumstances, our referrals are now closed.

Our employment support

We work collaboratively with our participants and other services in the community to offer the best possible support for their personal circumstances.

We know that there are many things that mean the jobs market can be difficult for some people. Our team of experience Employment Advisers are there to help participants who may need that extra supporting element with care duties, long term unemployment, health conditions, disabilities, or accessibility at work.

How it works

1 . Getting to know our participants

Participants are met by their own personal Employment Adviser, who will get to know them and their personal circumstances with finding employment, along with:

• Their interests
• Skills
• Ambitions
• Work experience
• Health

The more information our Employment Advisers have, the better support they can provide.

2. Planning

Our Employment Advisers will then work together with their participant to make a plan that will help to identify any obstacles and upskill in areas that are needed with the end goal of finding paid sustainable work.

3. Managing health and disability

We understand that some health conditions can sometimes make it difficult to find and stay in work.

Our health professionals are on hand to help where support is needed and can provide expert advice on managing physical and mental health in the workplace.

Courses and workshops are also available, as well as access to other support in the community.

4. Personal development

Our Employment Advisers will discuss the courses available and identify what the participant may benefit from most. These courses can be taken in our offices, and some are also available online. Employment Advisers will be there at every step of the way to help participants plan and coordinate everything that they have set themselves to do.

5. Applying for jobs

When our participants are ready, we’ll help them to start applying for jobs.

• Find a vacancy
• Submit application
• Interview preparation
• Vouchers for smart interview clothes

6. Dealing with other issues

If participants face any other personal circumstances along the way, that could affect their chances of getting a job, we are on hand to support. Our free and confidential advice and training helps people experiencing challenging and stressful situations, including:

• Housing issues
• Caring responsibilities
• Previous convictions
• Financial issues

7. Starting Work

Our support does not stop once a participant starts work.

We keep regular contact with our participants, to make sure they have settled into their new role. If there is anything further that we can do to help our participants can contact their Employment Adviser directly.