Supporting jobseekers with their mental wellbeing

Unemployed jobseekers accessing our government-funded employability services have access to our Reed Wellbeing division’s Wellbeing for Work team which provides them with mental health support, helping them overcome barriers on their journey back into employment.

Lucy Fisher, a Wellbeing for Work Coach supporting participants on our Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme delivery across the North East and Home Counties, told us about her role: “Day to day we provide one-to-one telephone support, as well as group modules remotely to assist unemployed jobseekers with their mental health. I look at behaviour change methods and coping strategies, to address the key areas I see most frequently, which are anxiety, stress and low mood.”

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that mental health conditions - particularly depression, bad nerves or anxiety - are the largest reason for the working-age population being out of work due to long-term sickness. Our team’s Anxiety Management session is currently the most requested module we deliver.

Over the course of the 12-week Wellbeing for Work individual support programme, participants can receive guidance on topics such as weight loss, sleep, stress management, anxiety, and menopause. If additional or specific support is required, their Wellbeing for Work Coach can signpost them to a number of mental health specialists we partner with, such as [Working Minds]. Once this one-to-one coaching ends, individuals can still benefit from attending additional group modules.

Lucy continued, “To receive individual wellbeing support, participants on the Restart Scheme are referred by their Employment Adviser and they’ll receive contact from us within 24 hours. An initial call is booked within five working days, where we can identify which areas the participant is struggling with and suggest pathways to support them.”

While traditional mental health services often have long waiting lists, participants can access support from our in-house teams promptly. A 2024 survey by Rethink Mental Illness highlighted the significant impact of waiting times on individuals and public services across England, with 80% reporting a decline in their mental health. Additionally, the British Medical Association’s latest survey for 2024 estimated the mental health waiting list at 1 million people, highlighting the crucial for accessible services.

“The most common barrier is the waiting times,” Lucy added. “So many people are falling through gaps and don’t feel able to speak to anybody, so I think that's why many people struggle to begin with. We also come across a language barrier quite often – thankfully we are able to offer an interpreter, but there are still so many mainstream services that struggle to offer that.

“The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the positive impact it has on individuals’ mental health and wellbeing. Many people start from a place of struggle but being able to support them on their journey and see that progression and growth - it always reminds me why I do this job.”

Martin was referred to the Restart Scheme after ten years of unemployment, due to being a full-time carer to a relative who recently passed away. As a result of bereavement and stress, Martin told us about his anxiety and trouble sleeping at night. Martin was referred to Wellbeing for Work who were able to help him with bereavement counselling and mental health support.

After receiving this support and taking part in several of our in-house employability courses, Martin was successful in securing a role as a Night Porter at a well-known hotel chain in Scarborough.

Martin said: “I will always be grateful for the support I received, I no longer feel isolated, and I have a job that I love!”

Read Martin’s full story on our Restart Scheme website.