Work after a Stroke

1. Work after a Stroke Quality marker 16 of the National Stroke Strategy, Return to Work, says, 'People who have had a stroke and their carers areenabled to participate in paid, supported and voluntary employment'.

2. ‘Studies show that work is good for physical and mental health. The inter-relationship between health, work and well-being was recognised by the Commissioning Framework for Well-being. The workplace allows people both economic benefits and valuable social relationships. Many workplaces could offer simple, reasonable adjustments to enable people who have had a stroke to return to work, and are required to do so under the Disability and Discrimination Act 1995'(page 47, National Stroke Strategy, 2007)

3. Advice to stay off work is a major clinical intervention with potentially serious long-term consequences Disability following stroke can often be accommodated at work with appropriate adjustments and support Planning and supporting return to work are important parts of clinical management (‘Advising Patients about Work’, TSO 2007)

4. Key points A person does not need to be ready to get a job, return to work or be 100% fit to access support. You can benefit from support at a very early stage Finding out about work will not affect benefit entitlement You will be supported to work at your own pace and not be pressured into taking a job or returning to work

5. Making an effective referral for support Discuss local services available If you consent, the service will be contacted to arrange referral If you prefer to self-refer, you will be provided with contact details of service The service will follow up with you if possible to discuss outcome of referral The service will be prepared to speak to employer if you consent

6. Services available for people who are unemployed • East Dunbartonshire – Careers Scotland 0845 8502 502 and Jobcentre Plus 0845 6060 234 • East Renfrewshire – Worker Employability Service 0141 577 8438 • Glasgow City (see further slide) • Inverclyde – Inverclyde Community Development Trust 01475 553 349

7. Services available for people who are unemployed continued • North Lanarkshire – North Lanarkshire's Working 0800 0730 226 • Renfrewshire – as for East Dunbartonshire • South Lanarkshire – Lanarkshire Equally Well Service 0800 141 2865 • West Dunbartonshire – ‘Make it Work’ Key work Project 0800 923 0070

8. Services available for people who are unemployed continued • Glasgow City Bridging Service – CHP South - 0141 585 8252 CHP Northwest - 0141 949 4949 CHP Northeast - 0141 781 4020

9. Services available for people who are in employment • Careers Scotland – 0845 8502 502 www.careers-scotland.org.uk/home/home.asp • Jobcentre Plus/ Disability employment Advisor – 0845 6060 234 www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/employmentsupport/index.htm • Working Health Services (for people employed in companies with less than 250 employees) 0800 019 2211

10. Services available continued: Access to Work might pay towards a support worker, equipment for work, cost of commuting etc www.direct.gov.uk Connect to Work – help to develop skills, 0141 248 2864 Department for Work and Pensions Work Choice supporting disabled people in employment, www.dwp.gov.uk Momentum provide opportunities for people with disabilities resume work, 0141 419 5299 Workability provide training, IT equipment & support, 0131 346 9040