Many of the people we support struggle to find and sustain employment due to health issues, disabilities or other personal barriers.

Their experiences may include mental and emotional health challenges, long-term physical conditions and disabilities, learning impairment, or any number of personal factors such as homelessness, drug and alcohol issues or caring responsibilities.

All too often, these and other disadvantages act to exclude people from working life. It’s estimated that in the UK, nearly 2 million people who would like to work are currently not in the labour market due to health issues or disability - a waste of individual potential and a growing problem for our economy.

Being unemployed and excluded causes people harm. But being in a rewarding job can do people a great deal of good. With highly personalised, needs-led support, starting or returning to work can help provide purpose, stability, confidence and financial independence.

We believe that, with the right help, everyone who wants to work is capable of finding meaningful, paid employment and making a valuable contribution.

Craig’s Story

Craig was referred to Inspira by a local authority Health and Wellbeing Coach. Initially, he came to see one of our advisers for advice about Universal Credit but, following an in-depth assessment, we began to help him address several complex, inter-connected issues.

Craig was unemployed and facing multiple barriers. He had been diagnosed with ADHD but was not receiving any support for his condition. He had developed an addiction problem linked to his medication. He was living with his parents in a remote rural village and had no transport.

With the help of his adviser, Craig began an addiction support programme with the Recovery Steps service and was encouraged to resume help with his ADHD through his doctor. He continued to have regular one-to-one sessions with his Inspira adviser, who helped him to build a skills profile and CV, explore different types of work and research local job opportunities. Together, they worked on job applications and practiced mock interviews. Soon enough, Craig secured himself a part time job. With his consent, Craig’s adviser spoke with his new employer to make sure they understood his needs and were able to support him in the workplace.

Craig was successful in his new job but, after a short time, his family relationship broke down and, finding himself homeless, he needed help to find suitable accommodation. His Inspira Adviser helped him secure Housing Benefit and engage with a local housing support service. During this difficult and disrupted time, Craig’s Adviser was there to help advocate with his employer for a brief leave of absence from work. Craig moved in to a new flat and, with continuing support from his employer, successfully settled back in to work.

It’s all About Sustained, Intensive Support…and Dedicated Advisers

In the UK, over 9 million people of working age are not working, nearly 3 million of whom are receiving long-term sickness or related benefits. How can we help more of these people to enter, and thrive in the world of work?

There are no mysterious or magical solutions.

The core of our approach is the sustained support from our Advisers - trusted and skilled guidance professionals who take time to fully understand the people they support, look at their life, needs and goals ‘in the round’, and help them make progress in the labour market.

Introducing Loran…

Like all our advisers, Loran provides tailored support to the people who make up her caseload. Loran describes her approach is genuinely individual and need-led, putting her clients at the centre of the process and including:

• Getting to know and really understand them – their strengths, interests, goals, personal circumstances and any challenges they might face finding and staying in work
• Helping them to think over different work roles and decide what might suit them best, then contacting local employers to find opportunities that are right for them
• Supporting them with applications, interviews and preparing for starting work, including planning and negotiating any support they might need, budgeting etc.
• Keeping on supporting them (and their new employers) once they start work – reviewing progress, making sure they get the help they need to overcome any problems, providing advice and encouragement.

As an example, over the past year Loran worked intensively with 52 long-term unemployed people in one area of Cumbria. All were in receipt of Universal Credit and had not worked for a minimum of 6 months (some had never had a job). 36 of Loran’s clients (69%) had specific health conditions or disabilities – including a range of common mental health issues, severe physical illnesses and learning disabilities.

Over the course of one year, more than half of Loran’s clients progressed into paid employment, including 16 (44%) of those with recognised health barriers. Another 11 of those with health conditions moved into education, ranging from short vocational training programmes to a university degree course.

Loran says:

"I put my customers at the heart of everything I do, delivering tailored, needs-led support that empowers them to overcome personal barriers. As someone with a disability, I bring unique insight and empathy to my work, ensuring every individual’s strengths, goals, and challenges are understood. Over the past year, it has been incredibly rewarding to help long-term unemployed individuals achieve their aspirations—whether it’s securing employment or advancing into training opportunities—and see them take confident steps towards a brighter future."