Routes to Work

A guide to getting extra help and support with employment if you have a disability, mental health, and or drug and alcohol issues.

• What is Routes to Work?
• Who works for Routes to work?
• What services do we offer?
• How will we help you?
• Who have we helped?
• Retention Model for TMBC 
• Information for Employers and other Organisations in Tameside
• How do I access this service?
• How to make a complaint, suggestion or compliment
• How to contact us

What is Routes to Work?

Routes to Work is a Supported Employment Team, that works with local employers to offer Supported Employment to people with a disability, mental health and or drug and alcohol issues. We offer a comprehensive package of support, including on-site training and advice for your prospective employee.

Who works for Routes to Work?

Routes to work have a team of experienced staff that are committed to providing the highest standards of service to all employers.

What services do we offer?

• Drop in Sessions
• Ongoing individual support 
• Free, confidential advice
• Access to information on:
  • Education and training courses
  • Full and part-time employment
  • Benefits
  • Job search skills
  • Legislation

How will we help you?

• We will contact employers on your behalf
• We will support you with application forms and interviews
• We will go with you to your new job and train you on site
• We will provide regular monitoring once you are trained

We recognise your concerns and we may be able to help you:

• Identify skills, interests and opportunities
• Find out whether your benefits will be affected by starting work or a course
• Ask for adjustments to be made at work

Who have we helped?

Download the radio interview (mp3 format) that was aired on Wednesday 7 October on BBC Radio Manchester. 

Michael was referred to Routes to Work from Learning Disability day services, he wanted to look at paid employment options.  Following a period of intensive training and support from his Employment Officer, Michaels interview was successful and he gained a position within the company.

Jill's referral came from one of the community mental health teams requesting assistance to complete application forms and creating a CV. Routes to Work continued to support Jill and secured a work placement at a local leisure hotel which provided Jill with necessary office environment that enabled her to build her confidence.  Jill's self esteem and confidence improved greatly during this placement and she then felt able to apply for jobs.  Jill has now successfully secured employment within the NHS in an administration role.

Chris has a physical disability, since his accident Chris had been unable to find suitable employment. Routes to Work worked with Chris to identify skills that could be transferred into other employment options. Chris is now putting all his experience from his hobby of DIY into a paid job as a handy man.

Retention Model

This retention model is a scheme that Tameside Council promote to support people with mental health issues to stay in work. The principal of the scheme could be adopted by any employer:

Routes to Work (Supported Employment Tameside) are currently piloting an exclusive service for TMBC employees to support them to stay in or return to work after a period of absence due to a stress and/or mental health issue.

Support For Employees

The purpose of this area of the retention model is to support Human Recourses and Occupational Health in supporting employees with stress and mental health issues ideally back to work. If this is not a viable option for the employee after considering appropriate reasonable adjustments, the model is intended to provide short-term support to help the employee consider alternative options.

Support For Managers

The purpose of this area of the model is to support, advise and guide managers who are currently supporting an employee off sick or returning to work after a period of absence due to a mental health issue.

Similar to the criteria outlined above for employees, Routes to Work are aware of the expertise and advice that Human Resources and Occupational Health can offer managers. However, Routes to Work is an independent service within Adult Services that managers may wish to speak to for specialist information regarding reasonable adjustments and support strategies for employees with specific mental health issues.

If you, as an employee and/or a manager, are interested in contacting our service for more information or to make a referral for support please telephone Julie Seel on 0161 342 5141.

Information for Employers and other Organisations in Tameside

We promote Mental Health for all employees; this helps break down stigma and promotes supportive environments and opportunities for our clients.

We can advise you on how to promote a mentally healthy workplace. This will help to:

• Reduce absenteeism
• Increase productivity
• Promote diversity through your organisation
• Comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and the Health and Safety Act
• Implement reasonable adjustments effectively
• Promote a positive culture of Mental Health in the workplace

What services do we offer to employers?

We aim to provide a tailor made response to decrease the stigma that surrounds mental illness and promote mental health at work. Our services include:

• Individual consultations which focus on strategies to build a mentally healthy workplace
• Help to create a well being policy
• Information and training stress, and mental health awareness

If you would like to discuss any of the above or to arrange an individual consultation please contact a member of staff at Routes to Work.

How do I access this service?

Your local GP should be the first contact point for any Mental Health or drug and alcohol issues.  

For other employment related disability issues you can contact Adult Services, Stalybridge Resource Centre, Stalybridge and ask for a referral to Routes to Work.

How to make a complaint, suggestion or compliment

Tameside Adult Services is committed to providing quality services. We need to hear from you if you have any complaints, suggestions or compliments about the service you receive.

How to contact us

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Routes to Work Frederick House Dunkirk Lane Hyde Tameside SK14 4QD  View local map
0161 342 5200
0161 342 5260