Pathways to Employment is a free employment support service in Bradford and Craven for people with longer-term mental health conditions, including people living with severe mental illness, who want help to move towards work, return to work or stay well in work.
Our team offers practical, personalised support to help you build confidence, identify your goals and take manageable steps towards employment, volunteering, training or work experience. We understand that mental ill health can create barriers to work, and we will work alongside you at your pace.
Employment support that works around you
Whether you are looking for your first job, returning to work after time away, exploring a new career, or trying to stay in your current role, Pathways to Employment can help you develop a clear plan and access the right support.
You can receive support for up to a year, depending on your goals and circumstances.
Who is Pathways to Employment for?
This service is for people in Bradford and Craven who are facing barriers to employment because of longer-term mental health difficulties, including people living with severe mental illness. You do not need to be ready for paid work straight away. We can help you explore options and build the skills, confidence and support network you need to take your next step.
Not sure if this is the right employment service? Pathways to Employment is different from Talking Therapies Employment. Pathways supports people with longer-term mental health conditions, including severe mental illness. Talking Therapies Employment is a separate route for people receiving support through Talking Therapies.
What support can I expect?
Our employment support is tailored to your needs. Together, we can look at what matters to you, what may be getting in the way, and what practical steps could help you move forward.
Support may include:
- one-to-one coaching and regular check-ins
- goal setting and action planning
- confidence building and wellbeing support
- help creating or updating your CV and cover letters
- structured job searching and support with applications
- interview preparation and practice
- support to access training, qualifications or volunteering
- exploring work placements, work trials and paid work opportunities
- liaising with employers where this would be helpful and you consent to it
Pathways helped to build my confidence and find a path that works for me. I never felt pressured, just supported.Service user
Support to stay in work
If you are returning to work after a period of mental ill health, or you are finding it difficult to manage work alongside your wellbeing, our team can help you think through what support may make work feel more manageable. This may include planning a return to work, understanding workplace adjustments, building confidence, or communicating with your employer if you would like us to support that conversation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pathways to Employment?
Pathways to Employment is a free employment support service that helps people experiencing mental health challenges to move towards work, return to work or stay well in work.
Do I need to be ready for a job to use the service?
No. You do not need to be ready for paid work straight away. The service can help you build confidence, explore options, develop skills and take gradual steps towards employment, volunteering, training or work experience.
Can Pathways to Employment help me if I have severe mental illness?
Yes. The service provides employment and retention support for people living with severe mental illness, including help to find work, return to work and communicate with employers where appropriate.
What kind of employment support is available?
Support can include one-to-one coaching, goal setting, CV and cover letter support, job searching, applications, interview preparation, training opportunities, work placements, work trials and support to stay in work.
How long can I receive support for?
You may be able to receive support for up to a year, depending on your goals and circumstances.
Can someone refer me to the service?
Yes. You can self-refer, or someone else can refer you with your consent.
How do I refer myself?
You can complete the online referral form, or contact The Cellar Trust if you need help with the form or have a referral query.
Is the service free?
Yes. Pathways to Employment is free to access.
Funded by
Our Employment Support service is funded by Bradford and Craven Health and Care Partnership (NHS) and Bradford Council – Adult Social Care.