What's this project all about?
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire.
A Calderdale resident is feeling more hopeful about the future after receiving coordinated support through Halifax Opportunities Trust's (HOT) Work Well Calderdale programme.
Stephanie (name changed) was referred to the programme by her GP when mental health, financial pressures and family responsibilities began affecting both her wellbeing and her ability to manage her self-employed work.
Combined support
After joining Work Well Calderdale, Stephanie was matched with an employment advisor who worked with her to understand the challenges she was facing and connect her with the right support.
Lisa Connelly, Employment Services Manager at Halifax Opportunities Trust, said:
“We knew Stephanie needed support across several areas of her life. We arranged counselling through Unmasked Mental Health to help with her wellbeing, connected her with Citizens Advice Calderdale for specialist debt advice and linked her to our Community Support Worker and Calderdale’s Better Living Service. By bringing these services together, we were able to help reduce some of the pressures she was facing and give her the space to focus on her recovery.”
Through the programme, Stephanie completed six fully funded counselling sessions and received specialist support to progress a Debt Relief Order. She also established a manageable repayment plan for outstanding gas and electricity bills, helping to reduce financial stress.
To support her physical health and wellbeing, Stephanie received a free 12-month membership to Calderdale's Better Living Service and began attending regular swimming sessions.
What difference has it made?
The combined support helped improve Stephanie’s mental health, confidence and ability to manage day-to-day challenges. While she is not yet ready to return to work, she says she now feels significantly more stable and optimistic about the future.
Stephanie has now completed her time on the Healthy Working Life project but continues to access wider support services when needed. She will also retain access to employment support through Halifax Opportunities Trust as she continues to focus on her health, wellbeing and financial stability.
“The long-term goal is to help Stephanie build on the progress she has made and move towards sustainable employment when she feels ready,” explains Lisa.
What do people think about it?
Feedback from people supported through the programme highlights the difference this approach can make:
“The support I received has been invaluable. I finally feel like things are becoming manageable again.”
“The help with my bills lifted a weight off my shoulders.”
“I feel much more hopeful about the future than I did when I first came for support.”
What’s next?
Stephanie’s story highlights how a joined-up approach to health, wellbeing, financial resilience and employment support can help people overcome barriers that prevent them from working. By responding to the whole person rather than a single issue, Work Well Calderdale is helping local people improve their quality of life and take positive steps towards a healthier working future.