A free Suffolk service helping people with mental health challenges to retain or get back into work has been extended thanks to new funding.  

Suffolk Work Well, delivered by Suffolk Mind, has been awarded £414,569 from the National Lottery Community Fund to continue the service for four more years.  

Launched in 2019, Suffolk Work Well works with individuals aged from 18 to help them retain employment, as well as regain and prepare for work or further education. 

Suffolk Mind recognises the right employment can help people meet their 12 physical and emotional needs including meaning and purpose, achievement, security and community.  

Tony Wooderson, Service Manager for Suffolk Work Well, said: "We are delighted to receive funding to extend the service until 2028.  

"Feeling comfortable or confident enough to retain or gain employment can be difficult when facing mental health challenges.  

"By finding the right work, with the right support, and our conversations where necessary with employers, we can help meet more of their emotional needs to support and improve wellbeing." 

Suffolk Work Well will liaise with HR teams where appropriate to discuss workplace wellbeing for services users.  

Service users also gain access to The Mental Health Toolkit: The Essentials workshop, delivered by Suffolk Mind, to learn about physical and emotional needs. 

Tony added: "Suffolk Mind relies heavily on grants like this to deliver essential services throughout the county. 

"Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for allowing us to continue supporting people with mental health challenge gain and retain employment. Approximately 85% of those who access the service whilst in work stay in work – a huge benefit to them, their employer and the local economy." 

People looking for support with employment can register on the Suffolk Mind website: www.suffolkmind.org.uk/suffolk-work-well. 

Alternatively, organisations looking to improve knowledge and gain tools to look after mental health can arrange training at www.thementalhealthtoolkit.co.uk