Employment support in Croydon

There are organisations that can help you prepare for work, find a job or stay in work.

Some services provide specialist support if you are disabled, neurodivergent or have a long-term physical or mental health condition.

Scope: Starting Line

Starting Line is a 7-week programme for disabled people who are starting their journey into work.

You can get:

• 2 group sessions each week
• weekly one-to-one support from an adviser
• help to build your confidence
• help with time management
• interview preparation and a mock interview
• support to set and work towards your career goals

Support is available in person or online.

Check if you're eligible for Starting Line.

Scope: Kickstart

Kickstart provides up to 6 months of one-to-one support for disabled people who are applying for jobs.

You can get help with:

• writing a CV
• writing supporting statements
• preparing for interviews
• applying for jobs

Support is available in person or online.

Check if you're eligible for Kickstart.

You can also find other employment support from Scope.

Status Employment

Status Employment supports adults with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health needs or neurodivergence.

You can get:

• one-to-one help to identify your skills and suitable jobs
• job matching
• support with employers and reasonable adjustments
• support to stay in work
• help to return to work after sickness
• support with self-employment

You can refer yourself or be referred by a professional.

Telephone: 020 8655 3344

Connect to Work

Connect to Work (supported employment programme) supports people with disabilities, long-term health conditions or other barriers to employment.

You can get:

• a dedicated employment coach
• one-to-one employment support
• help to find suitable jobs
• access to inclusive employers
• support after you start work

The service can also support people who are already working but are at risk of leaving employment.

In Croydon, referrals can be made through local services and organisations.

Reed in Partnership: Better Working Futures

The Better Working Futures programme is funded by the European Union.

To be eligible, you must:

• be unemployed
• be aged 18 or over
• have the right to work in the UK
• belong to at least one eligible group

Eligible groups include people who:

• a health condition or disability
• are an offender or ex-offender
• are homeless
• have experienced domestic abuse

You can:

• complete the Reed Referral Form and email it to Ursula.Johnston@reed.com
• view the Reed in Partnership presentation

Work Well

Work Well supports people who use South London and Maudsley mental health services.

You can get:

• one-to-one employment coaching
• support to find work
• support to stay in work
• help to manage your mental health at work
• help with workplace adjustments
• support to resolve problems at work

Ask your South London and Maudsley clinical team about accessing the service.

Mind Employment Support

Mind Employment Support is for people who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.

It can help if you have never worked or have been out of work for some time.

You can get help to:

• identify and develop your skills
• build your confidence
• find work placements
• find volunteering opportunities
• access education or training
• develop a career plan

Telephone: 020 8253 8202
Email: ess@mindincroydon.org.uk

The service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Croydon Employment Support Services

Croydon Employment Support Services (CESS) supports disabled residents and other people who face barriers to employment.

You can get:

• employment advice and support
• help to prepare for work
• help to find employment opportunities
• referrals to other local support

Address: 
Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA

Jobcentre Plus - disability employment support

If you claim benefits and have a disability or long-term health condition, a disability employment advisor (DEA) at a Jobcentre Plus can provide specialist employment support.

You may be able to get:

• advice about moving into work
• advice about workplace adjustments
• information about Access to Work
• referrals to employment programmes
• support with the transition from benefits to work

Speak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach about the support available.

Disability Croydon: Our Space

Our Space is an accessible community space that supports disabled Croydon residents.

You can get:

• employment advice and guidance
• help to build your confidence and skills
  advocacy
• information about other specialist services

Telephone: 020 8688 3622
Website: www.disabilitycroydon.org.uk

CareTrade: employment support, coaching and traning for neurodivergent people

CareTrade's Job Seekers Plus programme supports neurodivergent people aged 25 and over in London.

People under 25 who do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may also be able to take part.

Support includes:

• creating a career profile
• employability workshops
• interview preparation
• employer insight days
• visits to job fairs
• help to build confidence
• support after you start work

CareTrade also provides support for autistic and neurodivergent employees and their employers.

This can include:

• job coaching
• workplace training
• advice for employers
• support to stay in work

Support may be funded by an employer or through the government's Access to Work scheme.

Email: info@caretradeuk.org
Website: www.caretrade.org

Croydon Vision

Croydon Vision provides employment support for blind and partially sighted people.

It can help you:

• identify your career goals
• build your confidence
• improve your digital skills
• access coaching and mentoring
• prepare for interviews
• find volunteering opportunities
• prepare for employment or self-employment

Address: Bedford Hall, 72 to 74 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 2AR
Website: www.croydonvision.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8688 2486
Email: info@croydonvision.org.uk

Integration Hub: Connect to Work

Connect to Work supports people who are disabled, neurodivergent, have a health condition or experience mental health difficulties.

It can support you if you:

• are not working and face barriers to finding a job
• are in work but at risk of losing your job

You can get personalised support to:

• find suitable paid work
• find a job that matches your skills and needs
• stay in work
• get support with your mental health and wellbeing at work

You cannot usually use Connect to Work at the same time as another supported employment programme.

You can be referred by organisations including:

• your GP or another healthcare provider
• Croydon Council
• voluntary and community organisations
• Jobcentre Plus
• your employer

Website: www.southlondonpartnership.co.uk/connect-to-work/