Workplace Coaching through Access to Work    

I provide confidential, work-focused workplace coaching and supprot for neurodivergent adults and people experiencing mental health or other related barriers or challenges at work who are considering applying for, currently applying for, or have workplace coaching approved through Access to Work.

My approach is person-centred, neuro-affirming, mental health-informed and guided by your priorities and pace. Sessions can provide space to talk, reflect and make sense of your experiences at work. Coaching can also support you to identify practical approaches that work for you and develop more sustainable ways of working.

Depending on what feels relevant to you, sessions can include support with:

• stress, anxiety, overwhelm and burnout
• the impact of mental health or neurodivergence at work
• masking, confidence, identity and self-understanding
• sensory needs and workplace environments
• communication and workplace relationships
• organisation, planning and executive functioning
• managing workload, energy, boundaries and competing demands
• returning to work or maintaining wellbeing at work
• understanding and communicating your workplace adjustment needs
• disclosure and conversations about support
• self-advocacy and making informed decisions

The focus is agreed with you and can change as your needs and circumstances change. You do not need to work through a set programme or discuss anything that you do not wish to explore.

Workplace coaching is not counselling, psychotherapy, clinical treatment or crisis support. Where another form of support may be more appropriate, this can be discussed openly and sensitively.

Applying for Access to Work

You can contact me if you:

• are considering applying for Access to Work
• are already making an application
• have been asked to obtain information or a quotation from a coaching provider
• already have funding for coaching approved

I can provide details of my approach, qualifications, session costs and coaching packages for you to share with your Access to Work adviser or case manager.

Access to Work considers every application and request for support individually. Contacting me or receiving a quotation does not guarantee that Access to Work will approve or fund coaching. Funded sessions should not begin until coaching has been included in your award and the arrangements have been confirmed.

Involving your employer

You apply for Access to Work yourself; your employer does not make or approve the application on your behalf.

If you are employed, you will normally be asked to provide details of a workplace contact who can confirm your employment. Access to Work states that this person will not be contacted without your permission. During the application process, Access to Work may ask for your permission to speak with your employer about your role and the support you need.

Depending on the type of support approved, your employer may be involved in arranging or paying for support and reclaiming approved costs from Access to Work. Employer contributions apply to some types of Access to Work support, and Access to Work will confirm any contribution or payment arrangements that apply to your award.

Confidentiality

The content of coaching sessions is confidential. I do not share personal information or details of what you discuss with your employer or Access to Work without your knowledge and agreement, unless there is a serious safeguarding concern or another legal or professional requirement to do so.

To administer funded coaching, it may be necessary to share limited practical information, such as quotations, session dates, attendance, costs and invoices. I will explain what information is required, why it is needed and who it will be shared with.

If an employer or Access to Work requests a progress update or report, we will discuss its purpose and content before any information is shared.

Information and applications

For people living and working in England, Scotland or Wales:

• Access to Work information and eligibility

Northern Ireland operates a separate scheme:

• Access to Work (NI): information and how to apply

A free 20-minute introductory conversation is available to discuss what you are looking for, where you are in the Access to Work process and whether my approach feels suitable.