What’s this project all about?
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, focused on helping people stay healthy, well and in work.
For the teams delivering the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Pathway, work itself is seen as an important health outcome.
Rehabilitation Lead Jez Gee explains:
“Our focus is helping people stay in work and supporting safe and sustainable returns. Work isn’t separate from health - for many it’s part of their wellbeing, confidence and recovery.”
The VR Pathway sits within the Bradford District and Craven Multi-System Rehabilitation Service and uses a digital-first approach with a single named clinician supporting each person throughout their journey. Clinicians take a biopsychosocial approach, looking at someone’s whole situation rather than just their condition.
For Debbie, that support came at a critical time.
When health starts to affect work
Debbie works for the local authority as a careers advisor. She works 30 hours a week in what can be a high-pressure role. Over time, she began experiencing symptoms linked to menopause, including anxiety, fatigue and sleep problems. As her sleep worsened and anxiety increased, the impact started to spread into both her working and personal life. Activities she had always enjoyed, including running, became harder to maintain.
Debbie explains: “I started to question if I was doing this job well enough. My health was going downhill and I began not participating in social activities.”
Although she describes herself as normally confident, during this period she felt anxiety starting to take control.
“Everything was getting on top of me and I just felt it's not like me. Anxiety was taking over and I wasn't managing to cope.”
Practical support
Debbie spoke to her GP about what she was experiencing. Alongside issuing a fit note, her doctor shared a link to the VR Pathway.
“I was referred to the Vocational Rehab pathway through a link that my doctor sent. I approached the doctor, explained the situation, they issued a fit note and alongside that sent a link to the programme.”
The pathway operates through a digital single front door, allowing people to quickly access support. After completing a short online questionnaire, the team contacted Debbie.
“They introduced themselves, explained what they were there for and how they could support me,” she said.
Each person on the pathway works with a named clinician, helping build continuity and trust throughout the process. Debbie received follow-up calls and ongoing support as her plan developed.
Workplace support
A key part of the pathway is translating someone’s health needs into practical workplace solutions. The VR team completed an allied health professional (AHP) report, which adds clinical context to a fit note and can be shared with employers. Because the reports sit within the same systems used by GPs, they are easily accessible to support conversations about work.
Debbie says this was an important step.
“The report was extremely useful in giving me guidance and being able to pass on to my employers what I required to help me get back to work and remain in work.”
The report identified adjustments that could help Debbie manage her symptoms while continuing to work. These included reducing driving, reviewing her workload and improving her workstation setup. She also began discussions with her employer about flexible working options.
“It's opened up an avenue to the workplace and the managers and what they could put in place to better support me.”
Building confidence to stay in work
For Debbie, the support she received through the pathway played a major role in helping her return to work and remain there.
“Without their support, I'm not so sure I would have returned to work as quickly and stayed in work.”
The AHP report also gave her confidence to have constructive conversations with her employer about the support she needed.
“The report gave me the confidence and tools to approach my employer and negotiate what would be good for me, for my health and to keep me in work.”
Alongside practical advice, the one-to-one support from the team was equally important.
“It was a listening ear - somebody to reassure you that you're doing the right things, you're on the right track and you can get back to work and try and pick up where you left off.”
The pathway also offers virtual group sessions for peer support, alongside professional input and the option of face-to-face support if needed. Patients can track their progress through the Elaros digital app, helping them understand their recovery and build confidence along the way.
Looking forward
Debbie is now continuing to rebuild her confidence while managing her wellbeing. She has started returning to activities she enjoys, including running, while regularly checking in with herself and maintaining strategies recommended by professionals.
“I’m increasing my running a little bit more now and getting back into some fitness regimes. I just stop and reassess myself every now and again.”
She now focuses on maintaining a healthier balance between work and home life.
“Every now and again I stop and think about what's best for me and what do I need to keep achieving as far as work and home life is concerned
Debbie shares her story in our video.
You can also read the 'staying in work with support from the Vocational Rehabilitation Pathway - Debbie’s story' as a PDF.