A free service to support people to return to work after illness or help those who are struggling with ill health whilst at work is available in Forth Valley without having to be referred by a healthcare professional.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Working Health Service Forth Valley operated on a referral only basis, providing vocational rehabilitation, mental health support, counselling and physiotherapy (remote through Near Me) as well as employer liaison. However, now the service is can be accessed direct to anyone seeking help or advice.

NHS Forth Valley Team Lead, Amanda Chapman, explained: “This support can be particularly useful when an individual worker has been on long term sick leave. Confidence can quickly disappear after a few months at home and some people worry that they are not going to regain their fitness levels to move back into their old job. There are also self-employed people who don’t have access to an Occupational Health Service and individuals who do manage to work but are grappling with illness at the same time.”

Free and confidential support can include rapid access to assessment advice, access to occupational therapy, physiotherapy and talking therapies, signposting to other relevant services, return to work action plans and working collaboratively with employers and employees to help facilitate a successful return to work.
Amanda Chapman added: “Accepting support also speeds up the return-to-work process and reduces costs to the employer. Just having someone to talk to can make all the difference when it comes to recovery as addressing difficulties at work, physically or emotionally can go a long way to reducing the impact on their life!”

For free confidential impartial advice contact the Working Health Service Forth Valley team direct on 01324 616142 or email fv.fvworkinghealthservices@nhs.scot.

Pictured are the members of the Working Health Service Forth Valley Team (L-R) Joan Henderson, O/T Lyn Ross, Mental Health Nurse, Amanda Chapman, Team Lead, Fiona O’Neill, Triage Administrator and Xabier Ariztegieta-Murgiondo, Physiotherapist.