“Our support gives people a road map to live independent, meaningful lives”

For the client, this support is life-changing.

We want people to live independent meaningful lives and our support gives them a road map to do this.

As an Employment Specialist, I help people find work and stay in work. I work specifically with people who have experienced their first episode of psychosis or schizophrenia.

I listen to what they want and help them understand what’s achievable. I take into account their skills, where they want to work, the number of hours they want to work, and where they want to be in five years.

Work can provide people with purpose, structure, money, a better life, and a better future. It helps avoid relapses and supports the development of social skills.

If someone comes to me and they are already employed, the objective is to help them stay in their job and help with any issues that come up. I can also speak to the employer so we can support everyone in the process.

We’re like the connecting piece between client and employer. The glue. Employers value our service because with our support, they’re not on their own. In the past, mental health wasn’t understood so well and so people had issues retaining work.

I’m part of a multi-disciplinary team partnered with the NHS. Clients receive support from different teams focused on their care. I often receive referrals from the lead practitioner and then meet with a client and clinician to look at their employment needs and to see if I can help them. I then formulate a plan for them. I enjoy this part of the process and can learn a lot myself.

Working with a multi-disciplinary team is best for the client. It’s wrap-around care. The whole package from the NHS is really good. They look after people thoroughly before they discharge them.

Before this job I ran my own business and also worked as a legal recruitment consultant, placing lawyers, solicitors, and paralegals in jobs. I enjoyed the work but it was too corporate for me.

Now I’ve had a taste of the mental health sector, I wouldn’t go back. I want to stay. It’s been a complete change of direction to something more meaningful, but the transition from the private to the not-for-profit sector has been easy for me.

I wanted to join Southdown because I knew I had something to bring to the table. I like to think of the impact my work has on people’s lives.

It’s a career if you want it. If you want purpose beyond earning money, are seeking job satisfaction, and want to wake up wanting to work, come and work for Southdown!

Seven months in and I’m not looking elsewhere. I can see myself staying here for a long time. I have job satisfaction, autonomy, and variety. Every day is different and I get to travel. My line manager is fun and very approachable and I really like the team I work with.

I’m glad I found Southdown. Its values are very high and are upheld throughout the organisation. If you cut Southdown in half, it would be the same throughout. It’s obvious Southdown cares about employee wellbeing and there’s ample training and support from the first day. I’m not on my own.

Learn more about our Mental Health and Employment Support services: