Self-help groups Groups come in many forms and are often informal and in a community setting. They are usually facilitated by an organisation or led by volunteers. In some cases, they are peer led. At the heart of a group is the sense of it being a safe place for people to come and meet others who may be in a similar situation. This is a time where people can talk, listen and share ways of managing what is happening in their lives or situation. Some groups will be specific in the content and may be associated with a medical condition, addiction, mental health or to reduce loneliness and isolation. It is rare that self-help groups are time limited and there should be no pressure to attend. More and more groups are becoming creative in what they offer and may include things around craft or outdoor activities. Below is a small sample of what is available in Northamptonshire. If you feel you would like to engage in a group, an internet search will help you to find what you need or you can call your local council who can guide you in the right direction for your area.
• When they start or finish work • The days they work • Where they work
This is known as ‘making a statutory application’.
Employees can make a request for flexible working from their first day in a job. What employers must do Employers must deal with requests in a ‘reasonable manner’.
Examples of handling requests in a reasonable manner include:
• Assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the application • Discussing possible alternatives to the request • Offering an appeal process If an employer does not handle a request in a reasonable manner, the employee can take them to an employment tribunal. An employer can refuse an application if they have a good business reason for doing so. For further information visit
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/peer- support-groups/
www.northnorthants.gov.uk/drug-and-alcohol-support
www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional- help/local-support-groups http://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/stop-smoking-drug-and-alcohol-support Employment Your rights in employment Flexible working Flexible working is a way of working that suits an employee’s needs, for example having flexible start and finish times, or working from home. All employees have the legal right to request flexible working. Employees can request a change to:
www.gov.uk/flexible-working
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/
www.acas.org.uk
Parental Leave Parental leave is unpaid. You’re entitled to 18 weeks’ leave for each child and adopted child, up to their 18th birthday. The limit on how much parental leave each parent can take in a year is 4 weeks for each child (unless the employer agrees otherwise)
• The number of hours they work
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