What is Access to Work?
Access to Work provides practical and financial support for individuals who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to work. This includes everything from mental health difficulties to neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. Whether you’re starting a new job, returning to work, or needing additional support in your current role, Access to Work can help you stay in employment.
Support might include:
- Specialist coaching or training
- Adaptations to your workspace or equipment
- Help with travel to and from work
- A support worker, such as a job coach
- Virtual Assistant
How Does Access to Work Work?
If you qualify for Access to Work, you can receive assistance tailored to your needs. Once your application is approved, an advisor will assess your situation and recommend the best support to ensure your success at work.
The process typically follows these steps:
- Application: You apply for Access to Work online or over the phone. This involves providing details about your condition, job, and the specific difficulties you face in the workplace.
- Assessment: Once accepted, an advisor will work with you to understand your needs and recommend the right support solutions.
- Approval: The agreed support is then funded either directly by Access to Work or in partnership with your employer.
- Implementation: You can then choose your provider to deliver the support, including coaching, therapy, or specialist equipment.
Choose Your Own Provider
One of the great benefits of Access to Work is that you have the flexibility to choose your own support provider. At Aisling Psychotherapies, we offer a range of services that align with the Access to Work scheme, providing:
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Coaching for neurodiverse individuals: Whether you need strategies for managing ADHD in the workplace or coaching to develop your executive functioning skills, we can help.
- Virtual Assistants: To help with admin, scheduling, marketing, organisation of events, development of social media, invoicing and much more.
- Mental health support: For those facing stress, anxiety, or depression, our therapists can provide one-to-one sessions to build resilience and coping skills.
- Trauma-informed therapy: Our EMDR-trained therapists can help if past trauma is affecting your work life.
How to Apply for Access to Work
- Visit the Access to Work website: You can apply online here or call the Access to Work helpline to start your application.
- Provide information: You’ll need to describe your job role, your health condition, and how it affects your ability to work.
- Choose your support: Once approved, you’ll have the option to select your own provider—be sure to mention Aisling Psychotherapies if you wish to work with us.
We’re experienced in delivering bespoke coaching and therapeutic support, and our team is dedicated to helping you succeed in your working life.
