Are you struggling with your mental health? Are workplace challenges affecting your mental health? Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) offers free, confidential Employment Advice to support those accessing Talking Therapy so they can build resilience, regain confidence and thrive both at work and in life.

Delivered alongside NHS Talking Therapies, the Employment Advice service gives people practical tools to improve their working lives. From job applications and interview preparation to managing workplace stress or supporting a return to work, Employment Advisors help individuals build stability, resilience and confidence.

Jane’s story (name changed for anonymity)

Jane came to LMWS during the first few months of her new managerial role at a major international organisation. She was struggling with confidence and felt close to burnout after inheriting her manager’s responsibilities alongside her own. She also feared admitting to colleagues that she was struggling.

Working with her Employment Advisor, Jane developed a strategy to raise the need for more staff and began to build her assertiveness.

At the start, she was close to taking sick leave and looking for another job.

By the end, she had regained balance, felt confident as a manager, and exceeded her own expectations.

In her words:

“I started the employment support sessions in January at one of the lowest points in my career. I was burnt out, overwhelmed and struggling to adjust after moving into a new role. From the very first session, the Employment Advisor created a safe and supportive space that allowed me to open up and rebuild my confidence. His guidance was absolutely transformational. That moment gave me the courage to have an honest conversation with my manager — something I would never have dared to do before. It was a turning point that started a ripple effect of positive change. The impact of these sessions has been life changing. I feel more empowered, self-assured, and in control of my career than I have in months. I cannot express how grateful I am.”

Support that goes beyond therapy

Tom Frankish, Senior Employment Advisor at LMWS, said:

“One way or another, work has a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. That’s why we have a team of Employment Advisors working alongside our colleagues in therapy. People often think employment advice is just about CVs and interviews, but we provide a wide range of support; from helping people at risk of losing their jobs to addressing challenges at work and making employment as healthy as possible.”

Our free and confidential Employment Advice service is available to anyone aged 17 and over registered with a Leeds GP. Whether you're experiencing work-related stress, facing challenges at your current job, or preparing to return after a break, we're here to help all, while respecting your privacy and individual needs.

If you're facing work-related challenges that impact your mental health, Reach out today for free support, here.