As local businesses in South London wrestle with recruitment headaches, perhaps it’s worth pausing to consider a fresh route to finding talent, one that also makes a real difference in someone’s life. Thames Reach’s Mental Health Employment Support programme, backed by Southwark Council, does just that. It’s designed for people whose job prospects may have been sidelined by stress, low mood or anxiety, and for employers ready to open their doors and lead with inclusion.
But before we dive in, here’s a snapshot of what the programme has achieved since July 2023
- 309 Southwark residents supported
- 94 people into paid work
- 85 people into accredited training
- 100 % of clients would recommend our service to others
- 4.8 / 5 overall satisfaction rating
- 100 % of clients feel that their Employment Specialist is knowledgeable, professional and supportive
Each participant is paired with a coach who helps them map out a tailored plan, to support them to find meaningful employment.
So, why does this matter to you?
For small and medium employers, the benefits are practical as well as social. You’ll tap into a pool of motivated, pre-screened candidates whose skills are matched to your vacancies. Ongoing coaching makes those first few months smoother, cutting down on early turnover and saving you time on recruitment. Better still, every new hire is a visible step towards building an inclusive workplace, and that matters to today’s customers and communities. Even something as simple as offering a workplace tour or a short placement can completely transform someone’s confidence. Thames Reach stays in touch throughout that critical settling-in period, checking in with both you and your new team member.
The Employment Team at Thames Reach are really keen to hear from you, to see what support you need.
They have put together a short questionnaire to capture your challenges and ideas in regards to recruitment and retention of staff. Your insights will help them tailor their service to best support your needs. You can complete the questionnaire here: https://forms.office.com/e/Sq9QrWi6ER
If you’d like to find out more drop a line to southwarkworks@thamesreach.org.uk . Let’s work together to build a more inclusive, resilient local workforce.
