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Employment Support in Newham

Employment Support in Newham

If you’re looking for support with employment, there are several services in Newham that can help you find a job, build confidence or learn new skills.

Two people talking at a desk

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) WorkWise
IPS WorkWise supports people with complex mental illness to find and stay in paid work. You can get one-to-one advice, help applying for jobs and support once you start work.

Eligibility

  • Under the care of Newham mental health services or discharged within the last 12 months 

Contact

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for Primary Care 
IPS Primary Care supports Newham residents in touch with primary care services who are unemployed or employed (for minimum 3 months). They support residents with obtaining and sustaining paid work suitable for their health needs. If a resident is off sick, IPS Primary Care can also support them with returning to the role.

Eligibility 

  • Aged 18 or over
  • Resident of Newham
  • Has a physical and/or mental health condition (this can be self-defined)
  • Is not under the care of mental health services (if they are, these services can support)
  • Right to receive to public funds (e.g. benefits) 

Contact 

Employment Support in Talking Therapies 
If you are currently using Newham Talking Therapies or finished therapy recently, you can get help finding paid work, volunteering or training opportunities. 

Eligibility

  • Currently using Newham Talking Therapies or has finished therapy within the last 90 days 

Contact 

Our Newham Work 
Our Newham Work helps residents find training and jobs. You can also get support with CVs, interviews and starting your own business. 

Eligibility 

  • Aged 18 and over
  • Live in Newham or have a GP in Newham
  • Has a long term health condition, a disability or is a carer/care leaver 

Contact 

Job Centres
Job Centres Jobcentre supports people looking for work who are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. You can get help with job searching, training and interviews. 

Eligibility

  • In receipt of jobseeker’s allowance

Contact  

Compass Wellbeing Employment Support 
Programme The Compass Wellbeing Employment Support Programme offers tailored support to help you move towards work, learning or volunteering.

Whether you're looking for a job, want to stay in work or build new skills, the service can help you take the next step with confidence. 

Eligibility

  • Lives in a borough supported by the East London NHS Foundation Trust: Newham, Tower Hamlets, City & Hackney, Luton or Bedfordshire. 

Contact

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Substance Misuse 
This service supports people in active recovery from drug or alcohol use to move into work. You’ll be supported by a specialist who understands your journey and can help you plan for work at your own pace. 

Eligibility

  • People in active recovery who have a case open with Change Grow Live (CGL) Newham 

Referrals are via CGL Newham

The King’s Trust 
The King’s Trust supports young people to get into work, education or self-employment. It offers friendly, tailored help and short courses to build confidence and develop practical skills. 

Eligibility:

  • Aged 16-30
  • Not in work, training or education 

Contact: 

Carer assisting an elderly woman

People Participation

People Participation at ELFT not only gives you the opportunity to influence and enhance our services, but can also help support your personal recovery journey. You can build confidence, boost self-esteem, and develop existing skills and new ones, helping you to grow and thrive.
Acess to work logo

Access to Work

Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. This UK government scheme provides practical support, including funding for specialist equipment, travel expenses, and workplace adjustments. 

Frequently Asked Questions

You can still get help finding work, training or support services even if you don’t speak English well. Many services in Newham offer: 

  • Interpreters to help during appointments or phone calls
  • Translated information about services
  • Staff who speak a range of community languages

When you initially contact an employment service, please make them aware that you may need language support, and they will be able to tell you what is available within their service.

You can also take free ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at adult learning centres and community hubs. 

These classes can help you improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing for everyday life and work.

Yes. If you have a health condition, illness or disability, there is support available to help you find and stay in work.

You can get support from employment advisers who understand your needs through Our Newham Work, who can help you find and keep suitable employment opportunities. 

They can also advise you on your rights with regard to reasonable adjustments and guide you through how you ask your employer for these. The government’s Access to Work scheme may also be able to help you pay for:

  • Special equipment or software
  • A support worker
  • Help with travel if you can’t use public transport 

You can apply online or get help from a local adviser. Visit gov.uk/access-to-work to learn more.

Starting work can affect the benefits you receive. It depends on: 

  • How many hours you work
  • How much you earn
  • What kind of benefits you receive 

Universal Credit
You may still receive payments when working. Your Universal Credit will reduce gradually as your income increases. You might also have a work allowance, meaning you can earn a certain amount before your payment goes down. 

Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
If you receive PIP, this will not be impacted by your employment status or income.

Other benefits
Some benefits like Housing Benefit or Tax Credits may stop if your income goes above a certain level. 

What to do
Use an online benefits calculator like Turn2Us or speak to an adviser at Our Newham Money to check how working will affect your income. 

Provided you have the right to work in the UK, you can access most of the employment support services listed on this page. 

You can also get support with money advice through Money A&E.

Yes, you can still get help. Most employment support services do not require you to receive public benefits.

However, if you want help from the Job Centre, you must receive Job Seeker’s Allowance. For all other services listed here, you only need to meet their specific eligibility criteria.

You don’t have to deal with money problems on your own. Free and confidential support is available from trusted organisations. 

You can get help with: 

  • Managing debt
  • Making a budget
  • Dealing with rent arrears or bills 

Finding out what help you're entitled to Services that can help: 

  • Our Newham Money: Helps residents who struggle with debt or costs of living
  • StepChange: Free advice on dealing with debt and payment plans
  • Money A+E: Support with budgeting, debt and building money confidence ·
  • Turn2Us: Tools to check for benefits, grants and financial support 

All services are free, and your information is kept private. It’s better to get advice early - you won’t be judged.