This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme from the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
What’s this project all about?
In Bradford District and Craven, a new approach is helping people turn mental health support into real job outcomes.
Delivered through Healthy Working Life, The Cellar Trust is supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties to stay in or return to work. Using a peer support model, the project focuses on building confidence, improving wellbeing and helping people move into roles where they can thrive.
Nicole’s experience
Nicole (not real name to protect identity) was working in a role supporting vulnerable people. Over time, the emotional demands led to compassion fatigue. She felt constant pressure to perform perfectly, while feedback about her pace at work added to a growing sense of anxiety.
Her daily routine became difficult to manage. She spent lunchtimes alone in a wellbeing room and relied on hourly messages from a family member for reassurance. As her workplace moved away from home working, even the commute became overwhelming. Meeting expectations felt out of reach.
“Nicole felt under constant pressure and it was really affecting her confidence and anxiety levels,” said Beth Troy, Senior Employment Specialist at The Cellar Trust. “She had got into a cycle where work felt overwhelming and she didn’t feel able to step back from that.”
Wellbeing support
Support began with something simple. Nicole met her peer support worker for a coffee. From there, they built a routine of regular wellbeing conversations.
“We focused on small, practical steps,” Beth said. “That included ways to manage anxiety, creating a wellness action plan and setting goals that felt realistic for Nicole. Joining a hobby group was a big step in helping her reconnect with things outside work.”
Employment support
At the same time, the focus turned to employment. With Beth’s support, Nicole refreshed her CV and explored new roles better suited to her strengths.
“Our aim is always to help people feel confident doing things independently,” Beth said. “Nicole worked really hard to build up her skills so she could apply for jobs herself and make decisions about what felt right for her.”
What difference has it made?
Nicole secured a new job closer to home, cutting down her commute and easing daily stress. She quickly connected with colleagues and began spending her lunch breaks walking with them, something that once felt out of reach. Plans to go to hobby classes together followed.
“It was great to see how quickly things changed for her in the right environment,” Beth said. “She started building relationships at work and doing things on her lunch break that she hadn’t felt able to do before.”
As her anxiety improved, so did her independence. She no longer needed constant reassurance from family, checking in just once during the workday. With guidance, she also navigated conversations about reasonable adjustments in her new role.
“We supported Nicole to have those conversations about what she needed at work,” Beth said. “Once those adjustments were in place, she was able to settle in and really thrive.”
What do people think about it?
The wider impact reflects Nicole’s experience. Feedback from clients shows people feel listened to, supported and more confident. Many highlight the value of practical, structured support from their peer support worker that leads to clear, achievable goals.
What’s next for Nicole?
Beth added: “For Nicole, the outcome is simple and significant. She is in work, feels more like herself again and has the confidence to keep moving forward.”
You can also read the 'from anxiety to a fresh start at work' case study as a PDF.