We offer specialist vocational rehabilitation and work to help people with long-term health conditions who are in paid employment and need support to retain or maintain their job, or find a new one.

Our team of occupational therapists is able to support in a variety of settings depending on the needs of the individual, i.e. workplace, home or other community setting. Support is offered to both the employee and employer. Interventions are offered in a variety of settings including the workplace as required.

Some examples of our interventions are as follows.

  • Assessment of person’s capacity and workplace requirements. Holistic approach considering the physical, cognitive and psychological demands of the workplace.
  • Rehabilitation to build work skills and confidence to return to/remain in work.
  • Provision of an Advisory Health and Work report, workplace meetings and negotiation of phased return and reasonable adjustments.
  • Ongoing support once back at work for a period of time.
  • Self-management, health education and support to manage long term health condition and stay well at work. Provision of specialist, tailored information, advice and support in line with needs of the individual to get back to work. This could involve a Wellness Action Plan.
  • Guidance and information around Disclosure within the workplace
  • Information on legal rights and responsibilities, such as the Equality Act 2010
  • Support to ‘leave work well’ if not able to continue in current job role.
  • Support with careers advice which may include signposting to other support services.
  • Signposting to services that can support with benefits.

To access our service you need to be referred by a health professional. For further information, speak to one of the team on 01202 443100.

Following an initial assessment a treatment plan is agreed to include the steps that will help on the individual journey back to work, whether that be paid work or voluntary. Signposting to other services where appropriate. Our help could include:

  • exploring rehabilitation needs, for example building stamina, building relationships, following instructions, building confidence, identifying possible adjustments.
  • support with writing effective CVs, cover letters and applications
  • interview preparation work to build skills and confidence
  • exploring health at work issues, for example looking at choosing the right work, adjustments, disclosure, rights and responsibilities and staying well at work.
  • guidance on exploring work options in line with health needs, necessary adjustments and work/life balance. Exploring individual interests, transferable skills, strengths and experiences to identify employment goal.
  • utilizing National Careers Services.
  • advice and guidance on job sites and voluntary vacancies in local areas.
  • support when starting paid or voluntary work.
  • exploring training options
  • signposting to services that can support with benefits.

If you are in work at the moment and would value some free health support, vocational aervices can provide support for both you and your employer. It could be that you are currently off sick due to a long term health condition or you are struggling to keep going at work and fearful about carrying on with work. As an NHS organisation we are independent and impartial and are able to provide support and guidance around your health condition and work role. We could offer support in a variety of ways (according to needs and preferences):

  • attend meetings with managers and staff to discuss health and adjustments in a positive, helpful way.
  • returning to work support, including the provision of a Health and Work report, with clear directions around reasonable adjustments and phased return.
  • workplace assessment, looking at environment, relationships and job role/expectations
  • advice in strategies to manage workload and tasks around health needs.

Vocational Services

The Buckland Centre

9 Shelley Road Boscombe

Bournemouth

BH1 4JQ

Telephone: 01202 443100