Fresh Steps helps people in recovery across York achieve their employment goals and build fulfilling careers. Using the evidence-based Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model, we combine personalised one-to-one employment support with strong local employer partnerships.
Fresh Steps for Participants
Move Forward with Fresh Steps: Supporting your journey towards meaningful work and lasting recovery.
Recovery is possible, and meaningful work can be part of your future. Fresh Steps provides you with a dedicated Employment Specialist who takes the time to understand your skills, interests and goals, helping you find work that fits your life, not the other way around.
What we offer:
- The right job for you. based on your strengths, interests and ambitions.
- A quick start. Most people begin their job search within weeks of referral.
- Support that doesn’t stop at the interview. We stay with you before, during and after you start work.
- Joined-up support, with your Employment Specialist working alongside your clinical and recovery team.
If you’re ready to take your next step into employment, talk to your recovery worker about a Fresh Steps referral, or email us directly.
Fresh Steps for Employers
Connect with motivated local people while making a positive impact in York.
Fresh Steps connects York employers with people who are ready to work, supported by a dedicated Employment Specialist who works with both you and your new employee. From recruitment through to long-term retention, we provide ongoing support for both employers and employees. Fresh Steps is not a one-off placement scheme; it is a long-term partnership.
What Fresh Steps offers your business:
- Motivated candidates, matched to your recruitment needs.
- Free, ongoing in-work support for as long as it’s needed.
- A named Employment Specialist as your single point of contact.
- A visible and genuine contribution to inclusive hiring and social value commitments.
To find out how Fresh Steps can support your recruitment needs, please email us.
Fresh Steps for Clinicians
Employment Support That Strengthens Recovery: Helping people achieve work, wellbeing and independence.
Fresh Steps is built on the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model, widely recognised as the leading evidence-based approach to employment support within addiction and mental health services. IPS participants are around twice as likely to gain employment as those on traditional vocational programmes. We embed Employment Specialists alongside your clinical team, so employment goals are part of one recovery plan, not a separate referral into the unknown.
Why refer:
Employment can play a vital role in recovery. Routine, purpose, financial independence and social connection can all contribute to improved wellbeing and sustained recovery.
- Fully integrated working, with regular communication between your team and our Employment Specialist.
IPS helps people pursue employment as soon as they feel ready, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey.