Details of a vital service for people who want to get back to work after ill health, from Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust.....

If you find yourself signed off work sick, and are dealing with health issues that are stopping you from getting back to work, the NHS run Fit for Work Service can help you deal with your health problem and get back to work. This includes problems such as stress, anxiety, and bad backs

It is often easier to go back to work if you can access the right support and treatment early on. Fit for Work Service offers appointments within days, and a case manager will work with you to identify what support works best for you. This could include a prompt referral for any of the following services:

• physiotherapy
• counselling
• clinical exercise
• acupuncture
• debt and benefits entitlements (or other money worries)
• employment and training advice

Your case manager will support you throughout your return to work, and can speak to your employer and your GP on your behalf. The service is free, and entirely optional for clients to use.

FFWS client Leila Fatehi was referred to FFWS when she went off work sick from her job working in a cafe. She had shoulder, neck and back pain, associated with prolonged standing and carrying heavy items. She was also experiencing problems at work with her manager. Leila reported that the service helped her to return to work quicker than she otherwise would have done. She said: “The quick appointments and access to services, along with the helpful staff really supported me with my problems,“ adding, “It would be great if everyone with a problem at work could use the service.”

You can read the flyer for the service in the attachment at the bottoom of the page.

To access the service you must be employed, and live or work in Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham or Westminster. To find out more or refer yourself, contact 020 8962 7690, email ffwskc@nhs.net or visit www.kc-pct.nhs.uk/fitforwork.