Natalie’s Story: Support, Stability and Sustainable Employment

During Mental Health Awareness Week, Natlie’s journey highlights the power of personalised, holistic in-work support through the Connect to Work programme.

Natalie joined the supported employment service with Pluss as an in-work retention participant after receiving a conditional offer for a role in the healthcare sector but with no confirmed start date.

At this stage, she felt extremely anxious as she had not disclosed her health conditions or the adjustments she required, including autism, ADHD, and C-PTSD.

She worried this would affect both her job offer and her ability to sustain employment.

Despite holding a Master’s degree, this was set to be Natalie’s first paid healthcare role, as she had previously struggled to secure an opportunity due to her barriers and lack of opportunity from employers. This made the situation particularly significant and emotionally challenging.

Using the 5-stage supported employment model, support was provided throughout her journey:

1. Engagement
Natalie received support in a safe, understanding environment where she could openly discuss her anxieties about disclosure, starting work, and past experiences of not being given opportunities.

2. Vocational Profiling
Her Employment Specialist explored her strengths, qualifications, and career goals in detail and identified the support needs and workplace adjustments she required to succeed.

3. Job Finding
Although Natalie already had a conditional offer, support at this stage focused on securing the opportunity by addressing barriers that could have prevented her from starting, including preparation, confidence building, and practical readiness.

4. Employer Engagement
Her Employment Specialist worked closely with the employer to communicate her needs clearly, agree reasonable adjustments, and build a supportive working relationship from the outset.

The Employment Specialist also guided Natalie and her employer through the Access to Work process and helped put the right support, equipment, and recommendations in place

5. On/Off Job Support
Once in role, Natalie received ongoing in-work support to manage challenges, including feeling overwhelmed by administrative processes and workload expectations. This included advocacy, reassurance, and collaborative problem-solving with her employer to create clearer guidance and reduce pressure.

Building Stability Through Supported Employment

Now one month into her role, Natalie has made excellent progress.

She is performing well, growing in confidence, and has nearly reached the higher earnings threshold within her first pay check, demonstrating both her capability and the effectiveness of the support provided.

Natalie’s journey shows exactly why this support is so important. With the right guidance and advocacy, she has gone from uncertainty to thriving in her first professional role.

Through consistent, person-centred support, Natalie has overcome significant barriers, sustained employment, and begun building the career she worked so hard for.

Her story reflects the true impact of Connect to Work – not just helping people into jobs, but enabling them to sustain employment, improve their mental wellbeing, and achieve long-term career goals.