Step Forward (Copeland)

Step Forward is a holistic, strengths-based, person-centred supported employment and volunteering service for individuals living with severe and enduring mental health experiences. Hosted by Cumbria CVS and integrated with the NHS, we help people in North Cumbria (Carlisle, Eden, Allerdale, and Copeland) move forward into volunteering or paid employment.

What we offer:

• Personalised support for people with mental health experiences to access volunteering and employment placements.
• Guidance through a 3-step model over 9 months: Plan, Prepare, and Practice.
• Interventions to support forward movement, including access to talk therapies, grief services, and confidence building.
• 3 months of in-work or in-volunteering support to help clients retain and sustain their placements.
• Employer engagement to help clients navigate workplace conversations and thrive in their roles.

Additional services include:

• Workplace Wellbeing Training
• Library of Lived Experience (LLE)
• Better Mental Health in the Workplace Toolkit
• Wellbeing advice and guidance
• Explainer videos
• Holistic employment meetings
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Trauma-informed awareness training
• Decider skills training
• Promotion of services and social media tips

Our approach is always guided by the individual, responding to unique needs and circumstances with hope and aspiration.

If you are ready to take the first step, you can self-refer, refer someone else, or contact us to learn more about our support and wider services.