HealthInfo Canterbury
Getting back into work or study
Getting back into work or study can seem overwhelming. You may have lost some confidence, or you may be unsure of what work you can do.
Work or study can benefit your health and wellbeing. It can provide structure and social connection and can motivate you to build new skills.
There are two programmes in Canterbury that can help you find meaningful work or study. Both services are free if you meet the criteria to join the programmes.
Step Up
When you have a health condition it can be hard to navigate all the different systems to reach your goals.
Step Up can provide a health navigator to support you. They can help you manage any health and social barriers that are impacting your ability to work.
Your health navigator will contact you to arrange a time and place to meet. Then they will have weekly contact with you for the first 16 weeks. They can also provide support for up to 12 months, including when you start work. The health navigator will:
- talk with you to understand how your health impacts your ability to work
- create a plan with you with steps and activities to become ready for work
- set regular goals with you and review and support your progress
- help you access extra support and services where needed
- liaise with your general practice team and Work and Income.
The service is available for people who are:
- enrolled with a Canterbury General Practice
- on a Ministry of Social Development benefit
- currently excluded from looking for work because of a health condition
- motivated to return to work, study or training.
Talk to your GP or the Step Up team to see if you are eligible.
Contact Step Up
Email: StepUp@pegasus.org.nz
Phone: (03) 353‑7890
Live Life
The Live Life programme works with Step Up to support you to make positive life choices. This is to help you meet your life goals and maximise your potential. The service matches you with a mature mentor to guide you in realising your goals.
Live Life has a 4‑week training programme to build physical and emotional wellbeing. This includes self‑esteem, resilience and motivation.
There are also community‑based volunteer experiences to help you get ready for work. These establish work routines, enhance your social abilities and develop transferable work skills.
You may be eligible for Live Life services if you are:
- on a Ministry of Social Development benefit
- aged between 18 and 35 years
- living in Christchurch
- looking for a supportive programme to take your next step.
You can still join the Live Life programme if you don’t meet the criteria for the Step Up programme. For more information, call the Live Life team.
Contact Live Life
Website: livelife.org.nz
Email: gray@volunteerarmy.org
Phone: (03) 925‑9865
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created July 2019. Last updated October 2019.
Review key: HIBWS-643283
