Wakefield’s new Fit For Work Programme is helping people change their lives by getting healthier and back into work.

The scheme, which has only been in place for three months and is being run by A4E, has already started helping people to reach goals that they thought were out of reach.

The free programme, supported by the Wakefield Together partnership, offers specialist advice for people in employment with any sort of health condition who would like to remain in work, or return to work after a period of absence.

‘Fit for Work’ in Wakefield is one of 11 pilot areas across the country running the 12 month programme. 

Peter Box, Chair of the Wakefield Together Partnership, said: “It’s good to see how partners can work together to provide this service for Wakefield citizens and employers. In the current economic climate it is important that we support individuals, who may be suffering from illness, to remain in employment and to support local employers to have a healthy workforce.”

One local resident, Rachel, registered on the programme after hearing about it from a friend. She said: “I was experiencing some health issues and needed professional advice. I was determined to keep working, but I didn’t know how I could do it.” Rachel was introduced to a dedicated Caseworker, who talked to her about what she would like to achieve in terms of her career and her health.  By providing her with CV writing advice, job search skills and essential information on how to manage her health conditions, Gareth showed Rachel how she could achieve her goals.

After gaining valuable skills, Rachel attended an interview and was delighted when she secured a new role.  Talking about her experience, she said “I would recommend the programme to anyone with health issues who would like work focused support.  Gareth gave me the confidence to write my CV and attend interviews for jobs that I knew I would like to do.  I was also shown how to manage my health conditions so that I could enjoy my time at work.” 

The scheme is free to anyone in employment who is registered with a GP surgery in the Wakefield district.  If you would like further information or would like to talk to someone about the service, call 0800 023 4665 or e-mail info@a4efitforwork.co.uk.

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