Bridging the Gap: Supporting a Healthy Return to Work

Bridging the Gap: Supporting a Healthy Return to Work

by | Feb 4, 2026 | Uncategorized

January often signals a return to routine after a well-earned break. For others — particularly those returning after long term absence or navigating work alongside mental health challenges — the transition back can feel daunting and overwhelming. At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, our Work Well Services are designed to bridge the gap between sickness absence and full participation at work. Our aim is simple: to support employees to return safely, confidently, and sustainably, while helping employers retain and support their valuable workforce.

Supporting Employers, Empowering Employees

A successful return to work benefits everyone and increases overall profitability. By providing providing tailored, collaborative, practical support that aligns individual needs with job demands, our support can be the difference between a successful return and ongoing absence.

Our comprehensive assessments consider:

  • The needs and strengths of the employee
  • The requirements of the role
  • The work environment and organisational factors
  • Practical, achievable workplace adjustments

We provide clear, evidence-based recommendations that help employers meet their employment law obligations, while enabling employees to perform at their best.

Why Workplace Adjustments Matter

Many employers recognise and champion their workforce. When dedicated staff face challenges that affect their ability to stay in work, this can have a wider impact on overall productivity. Research consistently shows that appropriate workplace adjustments:

  • Improve productivity and performance
  • Support continuity of work
  • Boost morale and engagement
  • Reduce sickness absence
  • Save costs by avoiding lengthy recruitment processes

Recruitment is costly, time-consuming, and disruptive and new staff often require ongoing upskilling. Supporting existing staff isn’t just the ethical choice — it’s a smart, strategic investment in the business.

When supporting employees we consistently find that adjustments introduced to support one individual have a positive ripple effect, improving wellbeing, efficiency, and workplace culture across the whole team.

Expertise in Mental Health and Neurodiversity

As Occupational Therapists specialising in mental health, we are uniquely placed to take a holistic view of the individual and their work role. Our assessments explore:

  • Mental health symptoms
  • Neurodiversity
  • Strengths, challenges, and coping strategies
  • Environmental and organisational factors within the workplace

We also assess the workplace itself, offering practical guidance to employers on creating inclusive, supportive environments where people can thrive.

Diagnoses of mental health conditions and neurodiversity are increasing. At WTS we feel this is a reminder that the needs within the workforce are evolving, and that thoughtful, proactive support can make a meaningful difference. This is echoed in the UK Government’s Keep Britain Working review (November 2025), which highlights the importance of inclusion and support in the workplace.

We also recognise that this can leave many employers and line managers unsure about what to do, how to respond, or where to start. Navigating these situations can feel complex — but with our guidance and support, businesses can create environments where both their people and their organisation can thrive.

Encouraging Disclosure and Open Conversations

We aim to help employees feel safe and confident to disclose their needs. With the right support in place, disclosure leads to better understanding, appropriate adjustments, and improved outcomes for everyone involved.

For example, a reasonable adjustment such as regular screen breaks may be recommended. While this may support one individual, it also encourages movement, reduces physical strain, and creates moments to pause and refocus — benefits that extend to the wider team.

Let’s Bridge the Gap Together

Whether you are an employer seeking to retain skilled staff or an employee needing support to return to work, Wellbeing Therapy Solutions is here to help.

By bridging the gap between absence and full participation, we create healthier workplaces, stronger teams, and better outcomes for all.

Contact us today to discuss your Return to Work.

World Mental Health Day: Finding Calm in a Turbulent World

World Mental Health Day: Finding Calm in a Turbulent World

by | Oct 9, 2025 | Uncategorized

Every year, World Mental Health Day reminds us of the universal right to good mental health, regardless of circumstance. In 2025, as the world grapples with uncertainty, conflict, and rising everyday pressures, it’s more important than ever to reflect on our own wellbeing, the challenges we face, and the small steps we can take to support ourselves and others.

Navigating Anxiety in a World of Worry

The constant stream of news about global events can feel overwhelming. Many of us carry anxiety about what’s happening in the wider world, while also feeling guilty for worrying about our personal struggles at home. It’s easy to minimise our own needs, but your feelings matter — whatever their source.

  • Anxiety at world events: It’s natural to feel anxious when the headlines are full of uncertainty. Remember, you are not alone in these feelings.
  • Worrying your issues aren’t ‘big enough’: Comparing struggles can be unhelpful; every challenge is valid, and support is for everyone.
  • Rising cost of living: The pressure of bills, rent, or making ends meet is a genuine source of stress for many across the UK and Ireland.
  • Stress at work: The expectation to always perform and ‘keep going’ can be exhausting. It’s okay to step back and acknowledge the pressure, press ‘pause’ when we can.
  • Sleep issues: Worries often surface at night, making rest elusive. Prioritising sleep is vital for mental health, but it’s normal to need support in this area.

What Can You Do When It Feels Overwhelming? Steps to Support Your Wellbeing

If you’re feeling helpless or unsure where to start, these small actions can make a difference:

  1. Limit news consumption: Take breaks from rolling headlines. It’s okay to focus on your immediate world and protect your peace of mind.
  2. Reach out for support: Talking to your GP, a mental health professional, or a trusted friend can be the first step towards feeling better.
  3. Connect with charities and helplines: There are organisations ready to listen and guide you, no matter how big or small the issue feels.
  4. Focus on what you can control: Small routines, acts of self-care, and connecting with loved ones can anchor you when the world feels heavy.
  5. Remember you are not alone: Many people are navigating similar feelings — together, we can break the stigma and support one another.

World Mental Health Day: A Call to Kindness

This World Mental Health Day, let’s remember that good mental health is a right for all — not just in times of crisis, but every day. By being gentle with ourselves and reaching out when we need it, we create ripples of compassion in our communities.

If you’d like to talk, support is available. Contact Wellbeing Therapy Solutions for a free consultation: https://wellbeingtherapysolutions.co.uk/

You deserve support, no matter the size of your worries.

#WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthForAll #YouAreNotAlone #KindnessCounts

Sleeptember Review: Can a Sleep Diary Really Help?

Sleeptember Review: Can a Sleep Diary Really Help?

by | Sep 29, 2025 | Uncategorized

September is Sleeptember and when I saw the materials—a 4-week challenge designed to improve sleep through small, daily changes. It includes a sleep diary, weekly goals, and helpful resources to track your habits. I thought I would try it out for the month.

First Impressions

The materials looked great right from the start. The sleep diary and accompanying email newsletter for the four-week challenge were clear, well-structured, and easy to follow. The layout of everything—from the downloadable PDFs to the charts—was visually appealing, practical, and, importantly, not overwhelming.

The sleep diary is split into two sections:

  1. Morning review – reflecting on how well you slept
  2. Evening review – noting activities from the day

Each entry only takes a few minutes, and covers essentials like alcohol intake, exercise, and sleep quality. The goal is to build up a pattern over time to identify what might be helping—or hindering—your sleep.

The Four-Week Challenge

Alongside the diary, the Sleeptember challenge provides four pre-selected goals to support better sleep. My challenge included:

  • Going to bed at the same time every night, including weekends
  • Monitoring daily habits
  • Recording reflections in the diary
  • Noting progress using a simple chart

The chart was a big win for me. I like anything visual and easy to tick off—it’s motivating, and the simplicity meant I actually kept using it.

One of the suggested goals—going to bed at the same time every night—was surprisingly tough. Like many people, I have different schedules for weekdays and weekends, and shifting to a consistent bedtime took some effort. But that’s the point: the challenge isn’t to introduce dramatic change overnight, but to encourage gradual adjustments. This challenge helped me become more aware of how my routine or lack of it on weekends, impacts my sleep.

Final Thoughts

Most of us know what we should do for better sleep—Sleeptember helps us actually do it. It’s not a fix for deeper health issues, but it’s a great tool if you’re looking to reset your sleep habits. As the nights draw in, it’s a good time of year to give it a try. September may be nearly over but it’s not too late to improve your sleep.

✨ Need More Support?

If poor sleep is affecting your wellbeing, we can help.

At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions we can help you explore strategies to help improve sleep. We can look at what’s behind your sleep issues—whether it’s mental health related; stress, anxiety, or something else, we can support you to make the changes so you can get the rest you need.

📩 Contact us today to book your free consultation.
#SleepBetter #Sleeptember #WellbeingTherapySolutions

Managing Transitions

Managing Transitions

by | Aug 13, 2025 | Uncategorized

To everyone awaiting results — A Levels this week, GCSEs next — I want to start by wishing you the very best of luck.

But more importantly, I want to remind you of something:

You are more than your grades.

In today’s hustle culture and high-pressure environment, it can feel like exam results are everything. But while your grades do matter, they’re just one part of a much bigger picture. Your personality, your sense of humour, your work ethic, your kindness, your passions — these are the qualities that truly shape your future.

Yes, good grades can open doors. They help you take the first step into your next stage — whether that’s sixth form, college, university, or a new training path. But once you’re through that door, it’s your skills, choices, and mindset that will really determine your direction.

The Reality Behind Expectations

Expectations around transitions — especially starting university — are often shaped by what we see online. Social media tends to show the highlight reel: the excitement, the freedom, the fun. The reality can be different. Moving to a new place, navigating new routines, and making new connections can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Having a plan can help. It gives you a sense of control and reduces some of the natural anxiety that change brings.

For those who are neurodivergent (ND), changes in routine and environment can be especially challenging. If you’re heading to university, everything changes — from your living space to your daily structure. Think about what you might need to help ease the transition. It could be something as simple as bringing a favourite blanket from home, creating a plan to stay connected to family and friends, or setting up a comfortable daily routine.

If you’d like more support in preparing for this transition, I’ve created an online course: ‘Preparation for Uni’ — where we explore what to expect and how to prepare, covering practical, psychological, and emotional strategies to help you feel more confident and grounded.

Navigating Change with Confidence

Whether you’re changing school year, starting A Levels, or heading off to university, these are all key transitions. Each brings new expectations, opportunities, and challenges.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous — everyone does. What matters is how you manage those feelings. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Get support: Talk to someone. Don’t carry it all alone.
  • Make a plan: Having a roadmap can ease the uncertainty.
  • Stay open-minded: Things might not go exactly how you imagined — and that’s okay.
  • Keep perspective: Every hurdle you face builds resilience and helps you grow.

Transitions are chapters in your story — and no good story is ever without a few twists.

Mental Health Awareness Week: Community & Work-Life Balance

Mental Health Awareness Week: Community & Work-Life Balance

by | May 15, 2025 | Uncategorized

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week shines a spotlight on Community — and it’s important to remember that work is a key part of that. Whether paid or voluntary, work connects us with others, gives us a sense of identity, and can be a valuable source of belonging.

But when the balance between work and life is off — due to long hours, communication breakdowns, personal stress, or health challenges — it doesn’t just affect one person. It can ripple across a team, a household, and even the wider community.

🌱 Why Work-Life Balance Matters

Many people hesitate to talk about work-related stress because of stigma. But let’s be clear:
Stress is not a weakness. It’s a human response to pressure — and it can affect anyone.

When our work-life balance is out of sync, we may feel exhausted, anxious, or disconnected. Over time, this can lead to burnout and harm our relationships, our health, and even our performance at work.

Finding balance doesn’t mean dividing time equally between work and life — it means prioritising the right things at the right time, based on your circumstances.

💡 Real-life balance looks different for everyone:

  • A university student might skip Friday night plans to study — that’s healthy balance. But isolating entirely for days on end, without movement or social connection? That’s a sign things are out of kilter.
  • A parent might adjust their work schedule to be present for bedtime routines.
  • A nurse or teacher might carve out specific days for self-care, knowing they pour energy into others daily.

Understanding your own needs and rhythms is key.

👣 What You Can Do to Rebalance

At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, we support people in understanding and restoring their unique work-life balance. Here’s how we can help:

1. Explore the Underlying Causes

We help identify why things feel out of balance. Is it workload? Personal pressures? Expectations you’re putting on yourself? Recognising the cause is the first step to change.

2. Develop Coping Mechanisms

We offer practical strategies to manage stress in the moment — from deep breathing and mindfulness to grounding exercises. These are tailored to your lifestyle and needs.

3. Build Confidence in Your Choices

There’s no universal formula. Life ebbs and flows, and so do your priorities. We help you feel confident in adapting your approach without guilt.

4. Reconnect with Community

Sometimes, feeling out of balance stems from a sense of disconnection. We help you find new ways to engage — whether it’s through hobbies, local groups, or peer support.

💬 Final Thoughts

Maintaining work-life balance is not about perfection — it’s about awareness, flexibility, and compassion. For yourself, and for others. A well-balanced life benefits not just individuals, but whole communities.

So during this Mental Health Awareness Week, ask yourself:

Do I feel in balance? What small step can I take today to feel more connected and supported?

If you’re unsure, struggling, or just want to talk — Wellbeing Therapy Solutions is here to support you. Together, we can find the balance that works for you.