Responding to the Government’s “Keep Britain Working” Final Report
The UK Government’s Keep Britain Working report (published November 2025) highlights a critical national issue: more than one in five working-age adults are now out of work and not looking for employment, a figure which is largely driven by health-related challenges.
The report calls for a fundamental shift: from a system that reacts once people have already left work, to one that supports people to stay well, stay in work, and return well after illness or difficulty.
At Wellbeing Therapy Solutionsin Leicester, we believe occupational therapists (OTs) have a vital role to play in achieving this goal, supporting both individuals and organisations to create healthy, inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.
A Healthy Working Lifecycle
The report introduces the concept of a Healthy Working Lifecycle , a joined-up approach spanning recruitment, being healthy in work, managing ill health, returning to work, and re-employment after leaving. It recognises that long absences make returning to work much harder, and that early, supportive action benefits individuals, employers, and the wider economy.
Occupational therapy is uniquely placed to deliver this kind of practical, early intervention. Our work focuses on helping people understand how their mental health, physical health, or neurodivergence affects their ability to participate in work and what changes can make work both sustainable and fulfilling.
Early, Person-Centred Intervention
Too often, support comes too late. At WTS, our occupational therapists can help people before absence becomes prolonged or wellbeing deteriorates further. We support individuals to recognise and communciate their challenges, build coping strategies, and explore workplace adjustments that make a difference.
We also partner with employers and managers to create open, psychologically safe spaces for conversation. Many employees fear disclosing health or neurodivergent needs, while managers fear “getting it wrong.” Our work helps to bridge that gap, building confidence and understanding on both sides.
Stay-in-Work and Return-to-Work Planning
When people experience poor mental health, burnout, or neurodivergent overwhelm, work can quickly become unsustainable. We work with people to design individualised stay-in-work and return-to-work plans — addressing workload, duties, environment, communication and support.
For those returning after time away, we can create phased return frameworks that balance recovery with reintegration. These plans don’t just focus on “getting back”, they focus on staying well, building confidence, and preventing relapse.
Supporting Neurodivergent Employees
The report also recognises the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals. Challenges like sensory overload, communication differences, or executive functioning differences can make traditional workplaces inaccessible.
Our occupational therapy team works with both the individual and their employer to identify strengths and barriers. We take a strengths-based approach, helping people harness what they do best; creativity, pattern recognition, problem-solving, while developing strategies and environmental changes that make daily work tasks easier and more sustainable.
We also provide neurodiversity training and workplace assessments to support employers in creating environments where neurodivergent colleagues can thrive.
Partnering with Employers for Sustainable Change
The report calls for a stronger partnership between health professionals, individuals, and employers. This is exactly where WTS adds value.
We act as the bridge, facilitating conversations, providing clear recommendations, and helping organisations implement sustainable, evidence-based adjustments.
Building Workplaces Where Health and Work Go Hand in Hand At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, we are passionate about helping people stay well, stay connected, and stay in work — and ensuring that returning to work after illness or difficulty is safe, supported, and successful.
If your organisation is looking to align with the report’s recommendations, our occupational therapy team can help you:
Develop early intervention pathways
Create inclusive environments for neurodivergent and mentally healthy workplaces
Support employees through stay-in-work or return-to-work planning
Equip managers with practical, compassionate strategies
To explore how Wellbeing Therapy Solutions can support your workplace wellbeing strategy, get in touch with us today.
For generations, we’ve been taught a particular story about what it means to be strong. It’s a story that tells us to “hold it together,” “keep a stiff upper lip,” “don’t cry,” and “just get on with it.” Emotional strength, we’re told, looks like stoicism, silence, and the ability to carry on without complaint.
But what if we’ve got it all wrong?
At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, we believe it’s time to change the narrative.
Suppressing emotions doesn’t make them disappear — it simply buries them deeper, where they can quietly influence our thoughts, relationships, and physical health. It’s a coping mechanism that can eventually lead to burnout, disconnection, anxiety, and depression.
The truth is, there is no shame in feeling deeply. Emotions are not a weakness — they’re a sign that we’re human, that we care, that something matters. And acknowledging them is one of the bravest things we can do.
True emotional strength means facing what’s going on beneath the surface. It’s having the courage to ask yourself: “What am I really feeling?” “Where is this emotion coming from?” “What do I need right now?”
It’s being honest with yourself and others. It’s learning to regulate those emotions, not by suppressing them, but by understanding and processing them in healthy ways. And sometimes, it’s recognising that you can’t do it alone and that’s okay.
Seeking Support Is a Sign of Strength, Not Weakness
Reaching out for help takes courage. Whether that means talking to a friend, opening up to your partner, or accessing therapy, it’s a powerful act of self-care and strength. Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore your emotions, uncover patterns, and find ways to cope that actually serve you.
At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, we’re here to walk beside you. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship challenges or just feeling stuck — you don’t have to do it alone. Our team of experienced therapists offers compassionate, non-judgemental support to help you better understand yourself, build emotional resilience, and move forward with confidence.
Let’s start telling a new story one where emotional honesty is honoured, where seeking support is celebrated, and where strength looks like self-awareness, connection, and growth.
If you’re ready to begin that journey, we’re here when you are.
👉 Reach out to us at Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, because your wellbeing matters, and strength starts with showing up for yourself.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, MD Kate Jackson shares some simple breathing techniques to help you overcome any anxiety or panic
Mental Health Awareness Week is the ideal time to offer up some tips on how to overcome anxiety and panic with some easy breathing techniques.
At times like this, it’s important to realise just how many people may be struggling, not feeling themselves, or looking for some support to help them cope with difficult times.
So, in this blog (and video at the bottom), I want to offer ideas for overcoming anxiety and panic by using some simple breathing techniques.
Breathing techniques can be helpful in managing anxiety and panic because they can help regulate the body’s physiological response to stress.
Anxiety and panic
When we experience anxiety or panic, our bodies activate the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response, which can cause physical symptoms like rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and muscle tension.
By practicing controlled breathing techniques, we can activate the body’s relaxation response, which can counteract the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety and panic.
There are various sorts of relaxation techniques such as: guided imagery/visualisation, progressive muscle relaxation and autogenic relaxation, which is a form of relaxation from within the body.
And just a reminder of what relaxation – a word we use all of the time – actually is.
Relaxation is….
Is when the body and mind are free from tension and anxiety
Isn’t only about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby
Is something that decreases the effects of stress on your mind and body
Techniques can help us with everyday worries like depression and anxiety
Turn off your phone
So, while watching this video, the best ways to make the most of out it, is to ensure that…
You practice relaxation before having a meal or at least one hour afterwards
Choose a quiet and private place to relax where there are no distractions
Turn off your phone
Ask your family not to disturb you
Ensure the room you are in is warm and cosy
Dim the lights
Wear loose and comfortable clothing
Close your eyes if you are happy to do so.
By practicing these and other breathing techniques regularly, you can develop a sense of control over your breathing and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety and panic.
It is important to note, however, that breathing techniques should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of anxiety or panic, it is important to reach out to a health professional.
“I had not been particularly present and had been rushing through life without noticing things. I had forgotten how pausing and taking things in more can prevent stress.” – Kate
I have recently reminded myself how valuable the activity of mindfulness is to help us focus if we are feeling stressed or procrastinating.
It has been a challenging few weeks for me supporting my family and balancing work life with my family life and home life.
I had been doing a lot on all fronts and then felt like I wasn’t doing a good enough job with any of them.
I had not been particularly present and had been rushing through life without noticing things. I had forgotten how pausing and taking things in more can prevent stress.
MINDFULNESS
It was only when I noticed something I hadn’t noticed for a while that I had a moment… it made me pause and realise the importance of getting the balance right. It reminded me that I don’t have to do everything at once and that it’s good to be a bit kinder to myself.
Mindfulness practices like bringing your mind back to the present and not getting lost in what has happened in the past – and what may happen in the future – can help reduce stress levels and anxiety.
From a personal perspective, mindfulness practices help keep my mental health in good shape, and that had slipped a bit when my life was thrown into a bit of chaos.
Thankfully, things are calmer and more positive now and I am on catch-up at work so here’s a few tips to help you if you ever feeling a bit like I did a few weeks ago.
1) TAKE A BREAK
If you find yourself unable to focus and are procrastinating, walk away and take a break to interrupt your thoughts. Move away from the room you are in, go outside and take 5 or 10 mins away for a change of scenery.
Get outside and enjoy some fresh air, no matter what the weather is, embrace it, even if you have to wear a big coat.
Take time to reset and walk away. We think we don’t have time to do these things but if we allow ourselves to do them, we tend to work quicker and are more productive.
2) FIND A MOTIVATOR
Not a reward but maybe something that your future self will thank you for. Tell yourself: ‘If I get these two jobs done, my future self will thank me for it’. Not too big a goal, just something realistic.
3) SELF KINDNESS
The way we are feeling is not permanent, it’s temporary and tomorrow is a new day. Know that next week, things tend to feel better. Don’t get too caught up in the frustrations if you are struggling to focus.
If you are struggling with your mental health and are considering asking for support outside of your family and friends, occupational therapy may be a great place to start your journey to recovery.
Occupational therapy is a profession that focuses on helping people of all ages to engage in daily activities that are meaningful and purposeful to them.
WTS Occupational therapists work with individuals who want to improve their mental health, to grow their ability to perform daily tasks well, increase their social participation, and enhance their overall quality of life.
If you are struggling with your mental health and are considering asking for support outside of your family and friends, here are four good reasons why occupational therapy may be a great place to start your journey to recovery.
Enhancing self-awareness and self-esteem
Occupational therapists help clients identify their strengths and limitations, and work with them to develop new skills and coping strategies. This process can enhance self-awareness and self-esteem, which can contribute to better mental health outcomes.
Promoting social participation
Mental health problems can often lead to social isolation and withdrawal. Occupational therapy helps clients identify and engage in meaningful social activities, such as work, volunteering, or hobbies, which can promote social involvement and enhance overall mental health.
Improving daily functioning
Mental health problems can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and self-care. Occupational therapists work with clients to develop practical skills and routines that can improve their daily functioning and promote independence.
Reducing stress and anxiety
Occupational therapists use a variety of techniques, including relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and sensory integration, to help clients reduce stress and anxiety. These techniques can be particularly effective for peoplewho may struggle with excessive worry or stress.
So, in summary, Occupational Therapy can be an effective therapy for improving clients mental health, by empowering them to engage in meaningful activities, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall daily functioning.
