Cost-Free Mental Health Support for SMEs: Leverage Access to Work Mental Health Support Service to enhance Workplace Wellbeing
If you're an employer looking for mental health support for employees but don't know where to start — or if you want to enhance your existing mental health strategy — the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service (ATW MHSS) is a valuable complement to your occupational health and wellbeing initiatives.
Delivered by our parent company Health 2 Employment (H2E) in partnership with Able Futures and on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service offers cost-free, confidential workplace mental health support for employees experiencing mental health difficulties.
Since its launch, the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service has helped over 22,000 individuals to stay in work, return to work, and thrive. Participant feedback highlights the service's real-world impact:
"The support I received was truly life-changing. My Mental Health Coach helped me build the confidence to manage my mental health at work, and the action plan they created with me gave me a clear path forward. I don't think I would still be in employment without this help." — Participant Feedback
Understanding the Role of the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service
It is important to understand that the ATW MHSS is a non-clinical service focused on providing practical support, workplace adjustments, and coping strategies. It does not replace clinical interventions such as occupational health assessments, psychological therapies, or counselling. Instead, it complements clinical services by supporting employees with day-to-day strategies to manage mental health conditions at work.
This makes the ATW MHSS an excellent option for employers who do not yet have a comprehensive mental health strategy in place — and a valuable enhancement for organisations already offering occupational health and therapeutic services.
Why Employers Should Use the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service
If your organisation currently has no mental health support in place — or if you want to enhance your workplace mental health strategy — the ATW MHSS can help by offering:
Up to nine months of cost free( fully funded by DWP), practical support from a dedicated, qualified mental health professional
Workplace-focused adjustments and personalised coping techniques
Tailored action plans to promote employee retention and resilience
Guidance for HR, managers and wellbeing champions to improve mental health awareness and support within teams
This service supports employers in reducing sickness absence, boosting employee retention, and enhancing productivity, while clinical interventions remain crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and formal occupational health recommendations.
How Occupational Health Professionals Can Maximise the Benefit
Occupational health (OH) professionals play a vital role in promoting the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service as part of a holistic approach to employee mental health. When employees present with anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health challenges, OH teams can recommend ATW MHSS as a non-clinical, workplace-focused intervention alongside formal clinical support pathways.
As highlighted in our article for the Institute of Occupational Health (iOH), occupational health professionals are uniquely placed to champion the use of the ATW Mental Health Support Service.
When carrying out health assessments, OH professionals can recommend the service as a valuable next step for employees presenting with mental health concerns. Whether an employee is experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or another mental health condition, signposting to the ATW MHSS ensures they receive the specialist support needed to thrive at work.
Working in partnership with ATW providers like OH One and Health 2 Employment ensures a comprehensive, joined-up approach to supporting employee mental health.
Why Choose OH One and Health 2 Employment
As a trusted, not-for-profit provider, OH One, part of Health 2 Employment delivers Access to Work Mental Health Support Services with:
Specialist clinical expertise in occupational health and vocational rehabilitation
A deep understanding of SME needs and workforce challenges
Personalised communication with HR teams, employers, and employees
A commitment to confidentiality, accessibility, and positive workplace outcomes
We work alongside your organisation’s occupational health service, HR team, and existing wellbeing initiatives to ensure employees have access to the right level of support.
How Employers Can Access Free Workplace Mental Health Support
If you have employees who are struggling with their mental health at work — or if you want to proactively enhance your business’s mental health provision — accessing the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service is straightforward.
No formal clinical diagnosis is required. Employees aged 16+ who are in work or about to start work and who are experiencing a mental health condition impacting their job can self-refer.
Employers, HR managers, and OH providers can encourage employees to self-refer and benefit from this cost-free mental health support today — while continuing to offer clinical interventions where necessary.
Learn more and signpost or self-refer here.
Build a Stronger Mental Health Strategy Today
At OH One and Health 2 Employment, we are committed to delivering workplace mental health support that is accessible, practical, and complementary to your occupational health services.
Contact us today to find out how your business can leverage the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service — at no cost — as part of a comprehensive workplace wellbeing strategy.