Over 20,000 people helped by our Work and Health Programme
Across the Local London sub-region our Work and Health Programme has helped over 20,000 people find work or training to get them closer to the job market.
Delivered by Maximus, the Local London Work and Health (WHP) programme provides tailored support for up to 21 months to people who are out of the job market, many who have long-term health conditions and/or disabilities.
As well as providing wrap-around health, well-being and financial support, the programme helps with CV and interview skills and connects people to employers who are actively recruiting.
Interview successes at Bromley jobs fair
In October 2024, our delivery partner Maximus and the team at the London Borough of Bromley, organised a bespoke jobs fair for local residents on the Local London WHP programme and Restart.
Household brands including Lidl, Centaur and Placing People Direct were among the employers looking to find the right people for their vacancies.
Over 73% of Local London WHP participants were offered interviews!
Having arrived fully prepared with smart CVs, practiced and ready to interview, people on the programmes attended sessions with the employers to discover what it is like working in the business and the roles available.
Throughout the day the people on the programmes were reassured and reminded of their skills, chaperoned to and from meetings with prospective employers, and offered moral support by the Maximus team whilst they attended interviews.
The day reaped benefits. From the recruitment day over 73% of the Local London WHP participants were offered interviews, and some have now started work. Great result! Well done to everyone.
Aisha turns her life around in just two weeks
Everybody’s journey is different, and we are delighted that after being on the Local London Work and Health programme for just two weeks, Aisha* from Waltham Forest, began her career in the education sector.
Aisha, who is in her 20’s, was referred by her local job centre who thought she would benefit from the programme. They were right!
Understanding why Aisha was out of work, Shabana, her key worker, suggested that her health issues may be related to chronic stress and excessive strenuous pressure. Aisha immediately said “Wow! That sounds so accurate because I was going through a lot of stress during my postgraduate degree and my old workplace.”
They agreed that Aisha would benefit from specialist pain, health, stress management sessions, to help her manage symptoms and learn different coping mechanisms.
With Shabana’s support, Aisha made quick progress. Shabana referred Aisha to a CV specialist. After one meeting Aisha had an outstanding recruiter-ready CV. At the same time, Shabana spoke to her colleagues at Maximus who connect clients to suitable employers and agencies with open vacancies.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for your ongoing help!
The team reached out to potential employers and Aisha’s polished CV quickly secured her an interview with Qualiteach, a specialist teaching recruitment agency. Shabana immediately scheduled a mock interview for Aisha to make her real interview less daunting. Aisha’s CV, knowledge and interview conduct impressed the recruiter, and she has embarked on a new teaching career.
“I knew from the first meeting Shabana would be very helpful” Aisha said “She was so kind, caring and her positivity was absolutely contagious. Her own story inspired me and gave me the confidence to take that leap of faith and not let my health condition hold me back. I am so shocked that within 2 weeks I was successful in a job interview. I’m really excited and cannot wait to start my career in teaching. Thank you so much Shabana, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for your ongoing help!”
Funded by The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), we manage the programme on behalf of our boroughs to help more people get into and stay in good jobs.
- Find out more: maximusuk.co.uk/london
*Name changed.