Steps to work

What is Steps to work?

Steps to work is a vocational project for people with mental health issues who live in Worthing. It is friendly and informal and provides support, advice and guidance to help people gain access to education, training, voluntary work or paid employment. Steps to work can also provide basic information about benefits, and information about where to get expert benefits advice.

What does Steps to work offer?

• Regular appointments on a one-to-one basis
• Access to a computer programme which helps to define work-related interests and skills
• Support with job searching, application forms, interviews etc.
• Access to courses e.g. Building Confidence, Working with Others, Job Search Skills
• Information about organisations offering education, training, voluntary work and paid employment

Why does Steps to work exist?

"Adults with long-term mental health problems are one of the most excluded groups in society. Although many want to work, fewer than a quarter actually do."
(Labour Force Survey, August 2003, as quoted in the government's Social Exclusion Unit report summary, June 2004)

Many people in this situation feel there are barriers to employment, including lack of confidence, difficulties moving from benefits to work, other people's low expectations of what they can achieve. Steps to work aims to support people to overcome these barriers, and enjoy the positive results of meaningful activity, e.g. improved self-esteem and mental health and reduced isolation.

Who can apply?

You can apply to Steps to work if you:

• Have mental health issues
• Live in Worthing
• Are aged over 18
• Are motivated to access education, training, voluntary work or paid employment
• Will make a commitment to attending appointments
• Have a mental health worker who will support your application

Contact details

Steps to work is based at

The Hollies
83 Little High Street
Worthing
BN11 1DH

For more information contact Cara at

Tel: 01903 603093