Back to Work After Illness? How a New GP Scheme – and Coaching – Can Help
- A Head of Business
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
Getting back to work after being unwell can feel like a mountain to climb. Whether you’ve been dealing with stress, burnout, a long-term condition, or something else entirely, the path forward isn’t always clear. But a new NHS pilot scheme is aiming to change that — and coaching is right at the heart of it.
Let’s break it down.
💡 What’s the New GP Pilot Scheme?
The UK government is trialling a scheme in select areas that lets GPs refer patients to work and health coaches. These coaches support people who are off work for health reasons — whether that’s mental, physical, or both — and help them take the next step forward.
It’s not about rushing anyone back into work. It’s about helping people feel ready and supported, in a way that actually works for them.
💬 So, What Does a Coach Do?
Think of a coach as someone in your corner — someone who listens, doesn’t judge, and helps you figure out a realistic plan.
In these sessions, you might:
Rebuild confidence after time off
Work through anxiety about going back
Explore different job options
Learn to manage your condition in the workplace
Set goals and take small, steady steps forward
It’s not therapy. It’s future-focused, and completely tailored to you.
🧠 Why It Works
Lots of people feel stuck after illness — unsure where to start or how to return to “normal”. Coaching offers space to breathe, plan, and rebuild.
Early results from similar schemes show that coaching can lead to:
Improved mental wellbeing
Greater motivation
Reduced dependence on medication
More successful (and sustainable) returns to work
💻 Not in a Pilot Area? You Can Still Access Support
This scheme isn’t available everywhere yet — but the good news is, you can still get support through private coaching.
Many private coaches specialise in return-to-work support, especially after illness, burnout, or big life changes. They can help you:
Figure out what kind of work suits you now
Balance health and job demands
Build resilience and self-belief
Private coaching gives you full flexibility — in timing, frequency, and focus.
✨ Final Thoughts
Going back to work after illness isn’t just about being “fit to work” — it’s about feeling ready, confident, and supported.
Whether you’re referred through your GP or explore private coaching on your own, the important thing is knowing you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
If you’re curious, talk to your GP, or explore coaching directories and networks. Help is out there — and it might be exactly what you need to take that next step forward.
📬 Have questions about coaching? Drop us a message, or book one our sessions, to explore how coaching can help you. www.aheadofbusiness.com
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