Ingeus: From Health Challenges to Renewed Confidence
For Hollie, TBHG’s Health Advisory Service, a combination of physical health challenges, neurodivergence, previous trauma and bereavement had created significant barriers to wellbeing and returning to work.
Through a programme of tailored Health Advisorys essions, they were supported to better understand their experiences, develop practical coping strategies and rebuild their confidence.
The starting point
At the beginning of her Health Advisory journey, Hollie was experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety, low mood and energy, poor sleep and concerns around managing their health alongside employment.
She was also navigating a number of complex barriers, including ongoing physical health conditions, ADHD, the impact of previous trauma and grief following bereavement.
Despite these challenges, she remained willing to explore new opportunities and had a desire to move towards employment.
A tailored approach
The Health Advisory sessions were designed around Hollie’s circumstances, focusing on practical strategies that could support both wellbeing and future employment.
Support included:
- Bereavement support, helping them process grief and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Psychoeducation around ADHD in women, increasing their understanding of how ADHD can affect everyday life and the workplace, alongside exploring potential reasonable adjustments.
- Exploring circles of influence and support, helping them identify the people and resources they could draw upon for practical and emotional support.
- Goal setting and employment planning, supporting them to identify realistic career options and steps towards returning to work.
- Trauma-informed psychoeducation, exploring how trauma can affect the body and introducing techniques to support self-regulation.
- Confidence building, helping them recognise their strengths and develop greater belief in their own abilities.
Measuring the distance travelled
By the end of the Health Advisory programme, the individual had made positive progress across several areas of their wellbeing.
The most notable improvement was in their sleep, which increased by two points, alongside positive changes in mood, diet, stress and confidence around returning to work.
From support to employment
A significant milestone came when the individual successfully secured part-time employment at their daughter’s school.
Returning to work provided more than an employment opportunity. Their new role helped to rebuild confidence, create a greater sense of purpose and provide a feeling of fulfilment and stability.
They also reported using strategies from their Health Advisory sessions to manage stressful situations, challenge negative thinking and strengthen their sense of self-belief and self-worth.
Looking ahead
While returning to work represented a major achievement, the individual remained mindful of the need to balance their health and professional responsibilities.
They expressed an interest in potentially developing their career further, particularly in administration or mental health support, demonstrating a renewed sense of direction and ambition.
Recommendations included developing a Wellness Action Plan or Health Disclosure Plan, exploring support through the [Access to Work Mental Health Support Service], continuing with appropriate medical support and maintaining the wellbeing strategies developed throughout their sessions.
The Impact
This individual’s journey demonstrates the value of holistic, personalised support when health and wellbeing challenges create barriers to employment.
Through the Health Advisory Service, they were able to:
Improve their emotional wellbeing
Developing practical strategies to manage anxiety, stress and difficult emotions.
Improve their sleep and overall wellbeing
Making positive changes across several areas of their health.
Rebuild confidence
Developing greater belief in their abilities and potential.
Return to employment
Successfully securing a part-time role that provided purpose, fulfilment and stability.
Develop future aspirations
Beginning to consider further opportunities in administration and mental health support.
Their progress highlights that returning to work isn’t always about taking one big step. Rather having the right support to make a series of smaller steps, building confidence, understanding your needs and recognising capabilities along the way.
