Access to Work
Specialist Access to Work support for neurodiverse and disabled employees
Clear Links supports thousands of disabled people in education and in the workplace across the country every year
We provide specialist support to remove barriers, boost productivity and increase job satisfaction.
Clear Links Access to Work Support Service
Our specialist coaches and mentors help disabled and neurodivergent employees, as well those with a mental health condition, with support and coping strategy training to adjust to their job and work environment.
Our support service is tailored to each individual, delivered 1-to-1 by highly qualified disability support specialists, and enables employees to develop their skills, confidence and independence in the workplace
How do our support sessions help employees?
- Talking through and developing strategies for emotional issues
- Facilitating dialogue with the employer about specific aspects of a condition or impairment
- Planning, prioritisation, and time management
- Goal setting and decision making
- Confidence building and assertiveness
- Stress management and communication skills
- And more!
What conditions, impairments and neurodiversity can our coaches support?
- Specific Learning Differences such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia
- Autism Spectrum Condition
- ADHD
- Mental Health Conditions
- Physical impairments and chronic illnesses
Through our support sessions, we assist employees to recognise barriers to work and provide strategies to develop skills to manage the impact of a condition or impairment
Workplace coaching is critical for individuals experiencing difficulties developing in their role.
Support is tailored to individual learning styles and specific needs, to help employees fulfill the requirements of their job role.
"The support provided by Clear Links has a direct impact on my performance and development, in addition to my overall wellbeing and mental health."
Why Choose Clear Links for Access to Work Support?
When choosing Clear Links as your support provider, we guide you to get your Access to Work support in place as quickly as possible. Our track record of providing outstanding specialist support since 2006 means you are in good hands.
We develop strategies and solutions with individuals to increase confidence, reduce anxiety, and improve workload management where neurodiversity, autism, Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs), ADHD, or a mental health condition has an impact on work life.
Supportive
We guide and assist employees and employers through the Access to Work application.
Fast
Once Access to Work has approved your support, we match you with your coach within 4 days.
Flexible and discreet
Support sessions are delivered online and fit around employees’ work shifts, patterns and commitments.
Personalised
Our Coping Strategies Coaches and mentors are qualified and experienced to deliver 1-to-1 support tailored to each individual.
Disability Confident Leader
Whether it is our own staff or employees across the country; we lead by example. Find our more about our DCL status here.
99% user satisfaction
Our support service can help remove barriers, lower stress, and bring about positive impact on wellbeing and productivity.
No needs assessment? No problem.
If employees know what support they need, they don’t need to go through a needs assessment. Contact us and we can provide guidance.
For example, if Clear Links supported you during your studies, we can provide the same support, adapted to the workplace.
If a needs assessment is required, employees can request one from Access to Work. We can also recommend an independent Workplace Needs Assessment to speed up the process.
Who is Access to Work for?
If an employee is neurodivergent, has a physical and/or mental health condition and is in employment, their employer can make reasonable adjustments to ensure employees are not substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs. If this support includes 1-to-1 support (e.g. Job Coaching or Coping Strategies Training), funding is available through the Access to Work scheme.
Self-employed people or people considering setting up a business, disabled interns and trainees benefiting from a Department for Education (DfE) supported internship programme, apprentices, and BIS traineeship may also be entitled to Access to Work support.
Eligibility criteria are set by the Department for Work and Pensions and can be found on the gov.uk website.
Should I talk to my employer about Access to Work?
We encourage employees to talk to their employer about reasonable adjustments and support. Access to Work offers financial assistance to employers to cover the full cost of providing a support worker in the workplace (such as Coping Strategies Coaching or a Job Coach), so cost shouldn’t be a barrier.
If your employer needs further information regarding Access to Work support, they can contact us directly.
How to get started with Access to Work?
Providing you are eligible, you can apply for Access to Work by following this link:
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/applyOr by telephone:
Telephone: 0800 121 7479
Text phone: 0800 121 7579
We recommend that employees talk to their employer to determine the most appropriate steps to take. Should the employee be unsure as to which support is most suitable for their circumstances, please contact us or a Job Centre Plus adviser who will be able to assist.
Students in Further or Higher Education considering a DfE supported internship or a BIS Traineeship, can contact their Disability Advisor or Careers Service at their university or college for more details.
Further information can be found here:
I am a disabled worker I am an employer of a disabled workerEmployees can choose who provides their support. Choose excellent support. Choose Clear Links.
To talk to us about your support or Access to Work funding, please contact us on 0114 278 6866
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