Specialist Neurodiversity and Mental Health Support
What is Access to work?
What Kind of support can be funded?
Who can apply for access to work?
At Talking Minds, we are proud to be a leading provider of Access to Work support with a specialist focus on neurodiversity, including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Our mission is simple: to help neurodivergent people and anyone experiencing mental health challenges to thrive in the workplace.
First Steps
Access to Work is a government funded scheme that provides practical 1-1 support to individuals with a mental health condition or disability to help them stay in work or get into work. This includes funding for support such as:
- Specialist Mental Health Coaching
- Autism and ADHD Coaching
- Professional Skills Coaching for SpLDs
These services are tailored to address the unique challenges that neurodivergent individuals and those experiencing mental health difficulties may face in the workplace.
How we can help
Unlike general providers, Talking Minds is a specialist organisation that supports clients, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, experiencing mental health challenges or who are neurodivergent.
APPLY TODAY
You may be eligible for Access to Work support if:
- You have a diagnosed or undiagnosed disability or mental health condition that affects your ability to work. This includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, SpLDs, anxiety or depression
- You are employed, self-employed, about to start a job or attending interviews
You live and work in England, Scotland, or Wales
Step 1: Apply for Access to Work support on the GOV website
Step 2: Fill out the Talking Minds access to work enquiry form, so we can support you through the process of applying for your access to work support
Step 3: We’ll match you with a specialist coach and start building your custom support plan
To apply, start by submitting your application on the GOV.UK website. Then complete our Access to Work Enquiry Form so we can assist you with the next steps, including getting your support in place. Learn more on our Access to Work page.
Yes, Access to Work is funded by the government and may involve a contribution from your employer, but it is completely free for the employee.
No formal diagnosis is required. You can apply for support with mental health, autism, ADHD or a specific learning difficulty (SpLD) without having a confirmed diagnosis.
Once submitted, applications are reviewed by DWP and funding can be in place within a few weeks. Once your grant is approved, we can begin supporting you straight away.
Absolutely, we’re experienced in guiding clients through the access to work application process. We offer free 15-minute consultations so you can ask us any questions about our support.
Ideally, apply within the first 4 weeks of starting a new job – this ensures your application is prioritised. However, you can also apply if you’re already employed, self-employed, attending interviews, or starting a new role.
Yes, support can be tailored to suit hybrid and remote working environments, including virtual mentoring and coaching.
Yes, Access to Work is available for self-employed individuals, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
You must be 16 or older, live in England, Scotland, or Wales, and have a physical or mental health condition that affects your ability to do your job.
Yes. Talking Minds only shares information with the employee’s consent. If an employee chooses to involve their workplace, it will typically be to confirm logistical or practical details for support delivery.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions about Access to Work or how Talking Minds can support you or your team, we’re here to help.
Speak with one of our specialists.