Work is not just a way of getting money, it gives you satisfaction, pride, self confidence, purpose, independance, boosts self respect, helps to keep you fit, make friends and socialise, maybe even finding a partner. No one is saying its easy, especially if you haven't worked for some time and it might be for minimum wage or no wage at all if its voluntary work, but you have to start somewhere and the rewards are worth it.

Below is a very brief outline of whats available and if you are a member of Back on Track we can help with mock interviews, CVs and looking for suitable work.

Self-employment should be considered as it will allow you to work the hours you wish without pressure and if you feel unwell you can stop. it also means that you can use a particular skill that you may have and enjoy.

yes2work.   FREEPHONE 0808 1802375   www.yes2work.org.uk

Free help for people with health issues to seek and secure employment. Register and you could receive up to £250 in the first weeks of paid work.

Jobcentreplus.   Call Paul or Tom on 01603 636041

Want to work but need some help ? Free training available that won't affect benefits and is completly voluntary...they will pay travel expenses.

Jobcentreplus. www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.

The following is a list of services available with a short description. There is a booklet available giving more detail called ' The work you want, the help you need ' you can get it by going to their website.

Self-employment. Apply for the leaflet ' Ever thought of working for yourself '. This leaflet tells you where to get further advice about becoming self-employed.

New Deal. This aims to give the best possible chance of finding a job you want. It offers support, training, education and work experience.It applies if you fall in the following catogories.

.......are between 18 and 24 and have been claiming jobseekers allowance for over 6 months.

.......are 25 or over and have been claiming jobseekers allowance for 18 out of the last 21 months.

.......are over 50 and been out of work for 6 months or more.

.......are getting a health related disability benefit.

.......are a lone parent whose youngest child is under 16 and you are working less than 16 hours a week.

Specialist Incapacity Benefit Personal Advisers. They provide specialist support to help people with health conditions or disabilities to find and keep a job if you are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit or Income support.

Disability Employment Advisers. They provide specialist support to help people with health conditions or disabilities to find work and keep a job. They can also provide advice and support to people who are already in work who are worried they may lose their job for a reason associated with a health condition or disability.

WORKSTEP. This provides tailored support for disabled people who have more complicated barriers to getting and keeping a job.

New Deal for Disabled People. This is a voluntary programme for people getting a disability health-related benefit who want to work, but need some help and support along the way.

Better Off Calculation. This will give you an estimate of how you could be better off ( for example, by getting certain benefits).

Rapid Reclaim. This will give you the confidence to start a job if you are not sure it will last and are concerned that it will be difficult to claim benefit again within 12 weeks of a previous claim ending.

Work Trial. This is a trial in an actual job with an employer. It gives you the chance to try out a job for up to 15 working days and show the employer that you are the right person to fill the vacancy.

Job Grant. This provides a non-taxable payment of £100 for single people and couples without children, £250 for lone parents and couples with children. The grant is payable to all those who have been receiving certain benefits continuously for 26 weeks or more and are moving into full time work ( over 16 hours ).

Tax Credit. These are given to top up your wages if your pay is low - they are designed to make it worthwhile yo work rather than be on benefits.

Working Tax Credit.( disability element ) This can provide an extra amount to support workers who have a disability.