Work is good for you

An independent review (PDF) of the scientific evidence on the health effects of work and worklessness has found that work is generally good for physical and mental health and well-being.

Work is an essential part of recovery from mental illness, yet only around 10% of people with mental health problems are in employment, even though most want to work. In comparison, 75% of the general population are in work and 60% of people with physical or sensory disabilities.


Resources for employers

North London Chamber of Commerce
- Is Sickness Absence Hitting Your Business’ Bottom Line?

Business Mentality

The Living Wage Campaign

STEP Up to rebuild people's lives

Our Supported and Transitional Employment Programme (STEP Up) provides Enfield Clubhouse members the opportunity to regain their confidence in temporary work experience placements so that they feel able to go back to work permanently later on.

Many of our members have been unemployed for some time and prefer, therefore, very part-time, entry-level jobs that require no previous experience or skills. Ideally, the job will be for between one to fifteen hours per week and pay the minimum wage or above.

The employer will train a member of the Enfield Clubhouse staff to do the job initially and the staff will then train a Clubhouse member. The placement should last for six to nine months after which time another member will take on the same job, so that the role is always filled.

Clubhouse staff will continue to support the member during the placement and ensure that other members are trained to carry on the job in the event of any absences or when the placement ends.

STEP Up is a great way for companies to put something back into the community and to work in partnership with a local charity. Other benefits include:

- high standard of work expected
- motivated and enthusiastic workers
- support from Clubhouse staff
- guaranteed cover for absences by another trained Clubhouse member or staff
- no sick leave, medical insurance or holiday pay costs