Routes to Work
Routes to Work
(The new name for the merged services of Jobmatch and Headstart)
A guide to getting extra help and support with employment if you have a disability, mental health, and or drug and alcohol issues.
- What is Routes to Work?
- Who works for Routes to work?
- What services do we offer?
- How will we help you?
- Who have we helped?
- Information for Employers and Organisation in Tameside
- How do I access this service?
- How do I get this information in different languages and formats?
- How to make a complaint, suggestion or compliment
- How to contact us
What is Routes to Work?
Routes to Work is a Supported Employment Team, that works with local employers to offer Supported Employment to people with a disability, mental health and or drug and alcohol issues. We offer a comprehensive package of support, including on-site training and advice for your prospective employee.
Who works for Routes to Work?
Routes to work have a team of experienced staff that are committed to providing the highest standards of service to all employers.
What services do we offer?
- Drop in Sessions
- Ongoing individual support (link from Headstart page)
- Free, confidential advice
- Access to information on:
- education and training courses
- full and part-time employment
- voluntary work
- benefits
- Job search skills
- legislation
How will we help you?
- We will contact employers on your behalf.
- We will support you with application forms and interviews.
- We will go with you to your new job and train you on site.
- We will provide regular monitoring once you are trained.
We recognise your concerns and we may be able to help you:
- identify skills, interests and opportunities
- Find out whether your benefits will be affected by starting work or a course
- ask for adjustments to be made at work
Who have we helped?
'Julie' is 22 and had been unable to find work since leaving school. She was unsure of which direction to take. With the help of Routes to Work, Julie was able to experience different types of work. She now works full time in paid employment, doing a job she really enjoys.
'Peter' is 26 and in the past had attended traditional day services, run by the Learning Disabilities Service. Peter wanted to work and earn some money. With the support from Routes to Work,Peter was able to experience a variety of work placements which helped him to gain the skills that employers are looking for. Peter now works full time in paid employment within the leisure industry. Peter is an extremely valued member of that team.
'Linda' is 23 and has a hearing impairment. Linda felt frustrated that she was unable to secure paid employment. Working together with the RNID and Routes to Work, Linda now works in a large retail store where her skills and qualities have been used to their full potential.
Information for Employers and Organisation in Tameside
We promote Mental Health for all employees; this helps break down stigma and promotes supportive environments and opportunities for our clients.
We can advise you on how to promote a mentally healthy workplace. This will help to:
- Reduce absenteeism
- Increase productivity
- Promote diversity through your organisation
- Comply with the Disability Discrimination Act
and the Health and Safety Act
- Implement reasonable adjustments effectively
- Promote a positive culture of Mental Health in the workplace
What services do we offer to employers?
We aim to provide a tailor made response to decrease the stigma that surrounds mental illness and promote mental health at work. Our services include:
- Individual consultations which focus on strategies to build a mentally healthy workplace
- Help to create a well being policy
- Information and training stress, and mental health awareness
If you would like to discuss any of the above or to arrange an individual consultation please contact Emma Sidlow on 0161 342 5141.
Retention Model
This retention model is a scheme that Tameside Council promote to support people with mental health issues to stay in work. The prinicipal of the scheme could be adopted by any employer:
Routes to Work (Supported Employment Tameside) are currently piloting an exclusive service for TMBC employees to support them to stay in or return to work after a period of absence due to a stress and/or mental health issue.
Support For Employees
The purpose of this area of the retention model is to support Human Recourses and Occupational Health in supporting employees with stress and mental health issues ideally back to work. If this is not a viable option for the employee after considering appropriate reasonable adjustments, the model is intended to provide short-term support to help the employee consider alternative options.
Support For Managers
The purpose of this area of the model is to support, advise and guide managers who are currently supporting an employee off sick or returning to work after a period of absence due to a mental health issue.
Similar to the criteria outlined above for employees, Routes to Work are aware of the expertise and advice that Human Resources and Occupational Health can offer managers. However, Routes to Work is an independent service within Adult Services that managers may wish to speak to for specialist information regarding reasonable adjustments and support strategies for employees with specific mental health issues.
If you, as an employee and/or a manager, are interested in contacting our service for more information or to make a referral for support please telephone Emma Sidlow (Assistant Team Manager) on 0161 342 5141.
How do I access this service?
Your local GP should be the first contact point for any Mental Health or drug and alcohol issues.
For other employment related disability issues you can contact Adult Services, Stalybridge Resource Centre, Stalybridge and ask for a referral to Routes to Work.
How do I get this information in different languages and formats?
This leaflet can be made available in large print, Braille, audio CD or tape and in a format accessible to a person with a learning disability. To get a copy in one of these formats, please contact:
Public Information Team, Ryecroft Hall, Manchester Road, M34 5GJ
0161 370 1179 
0161 370 1183 and Textphone: 0161 301 2490 
Send a Message to Public Information Team
How to make a complaint, suggestion or compliment
Tameside Adult Services is committed to providing quality services. We need to hear from you if you have any complaints, suggestions or compliments about the service you receive.
How to contact us
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 Send us a Message |
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 0161 342 5200
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 0161 342 5260
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