Health conditions, disabilities and periods of ill health can make it harder for people to stay in work, return to work after time away, or find a job that works for them. NHS Essex and its partners are developing a new service to help people overcome these challenges and access the right support.

This engagement will help them understand what people need, where they would go for help and what might prevent them from accessing support. The findings will help shape future services and communications across Essex.

NHS Essex are looking to hear specifically from people who:

• are currently out of work and finding it difficult to find or return to work because of a physical or mental health condition, disability or period of ill health
• are currently in work but are struggling to stay in work or manage their job because of a physical or mental health condition, disability or period of ill health.

The survey has 10 questions and should take on average around 5 minutes to complete.

The survey closes on 16 October 2026.

They would like to understand:

• Whether people know where to go for help when health affects work
• What types of support people would find most useful
• Who people would feel comfortable approaching for support
• What barriers might prevent people from getting help
• What would encourage people to use services designed to support health and work

Your responses are anonymous and confidential.

Thank you for taking the time to share your views. Your feedback will help them develop support that is easy to access and meets the needs of people across Essex.

Survey link!