Employment

Whether you’re ready to start working, volunteering, studying, or just exploring your options, this page is here to support you.

Thinking about employment in recovery can bring up a mix of emotions. There is no ‘right time’ or perfect path. You are allowed to move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you!

Remember- Recovery comes first, it’s okay if you aren’t ready yet.

How can employment support recovery?

Work opportunities can offer more than just income. It can help you:

  • Build routine and structure

  • grow confidence and independence

  • Feel a sense of purpose

  • Connect with others in a positive environment

Steps towards employment:

  • You don’t have to jump straight into full-time work.

    You might begin with:

    • Volunteering

    • Short courses or training

    • Part-time or flexible roles

    • Update your CV slowly

    • Focus on your strengths

    • Speak to a support worker or recovery service

    • Look for employment programmes designed for people in recovery

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Your rights at work:

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are protected from discrimination based on:

  • Gender

  • Pregnancy or maternity

  • Disability (including some mental health conditions or addiction recovery in certain circumstances)

You are not always required to disclose your recovery history to an employer unless it directly affects your role or safety.

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Looking after yourself at work:

  • Set realistic expectations

  • Take breaks when needed

  • Stay connected to your recovery support network

  • Be honest with yourself if something doesn’t feel right

Explore our Resources

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Explore the Recovery Toolkit

  • A woman in a bathrobe with a towel on her head applying skincare with a cotton pad in a wellness setting, surrounded by skincare products, a candle, a plant, a mug, a mirror, and a phone playing music.

    Self-Care

    A gentle guide to self-care in recovery, with simple ideas, tools, and reminders that you are allowed to rest and heal.

    Click Here
  • A person holding a pen and writing in a notebook on a green surface.

    Journal and Reflection

    Creative, trauma-informed journaling tools to help you express emotions, reflect on your journey, and reconnect with yourself.

    Click Here
  • Illustration of a family of five members, including a father, mother, two children, and a toddler, standing together against a green background with stars.

    Family Relationships

    Tools, including SMART family and friends, to encourage building and maintaining healthy relationships with those around you.

    Click Here
  • A person giving a thumbs up with a thumbs up icon, and a person giving a thumbs down with a thumbs down icon, on a green background.

    Is This Helping Me or Harming Me?

    A simple check-in tool to guide choices in recovery, helping you pause, reflect, and respond with self-compassion.

    Click Here
  • Illustration of a woman holding a young boy, both smiling softly, with a green background and floating stars.

    Parenting

    A gentle space for mums in recovery- offering support, reassurance, and tools to help you heal while showing up for your children.

    Click Here

  • Recovery Workbook

    A practical, empowering guide supporting alcohol and drug recovery through stories, reflection exercises, routines, self-awareness, connection, and community support.

    Click Here
  • Two women sitting on a beige couch having a conversation, with a green wall and wall art with plant imagery in the background.

    Opening Up

    A guide to safely opening up to someone you trust, on your terms, without judgment or formal intervention.

    Click Here
  • A cartoon illustration of a distressed brain character with a sad facial expression, raised hand, and bent legs, with scribbles and lightning bolts around it indicating confusion or frustration against a green background.

    Mental Health and Wellbeing

    Gentle tracking tools to help you notice emotional patterns and support your mental wellbeing day by day.

    Click Here
  • Digital illustration of a laptop with social media and web icons, smartphones displaying images, and a stack of gold coins on a green background.

    Digital Resources

    A guide on using technology to connect, learn, and grow in your recovery.

    Click Here
  • Illustration of a woman and a man arguing, with angry facial expressions and speech bubbles with exclamation marks. The woman has long dark hair and is wearing a green dress, and the man has curly dark hair and is wearing a light green shirt.

    Relationships

    Support for building healthy relationships and recognising abuse, reminding you that love shouldn’t hurt.

    Click Here
  • Stack of green paper bills with a band around them and three stacks of gold coins with dollar signs on a green background.

    Managing Money

    Tools to help you budget and manage your money wisely.

    Click Here