Ingeus is passionate about supporting people back to work – but our remit goes far beyond sprucing up CVs and giving interview tips. With health conditions posing a common major barrier to finding work for the over-50s, Ingeus has launched a pilot offering older Restart Scheme participants in London free health-checks with a community nurse.
Registered nurse, Natasha Davis, regularly visits Hammersmith, Lambeth, Haringey and Hackney Restart Scheme centres on a self-employed basis through her business Blessings Bestowed. Nastasha offers health advice, blood pressure checks and nutritional guidance to participants.
Natasha says: “I provide basic health screenings and offer lifestyle advice to individuals seeking support. I assess a person’s overall health, looking for signs of chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, and offer guidance on managing these issues to improve their wellbeing and employability.” Natasha’s advice covers everything from nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, stopping smoking and stress management. She can also signpost people to other resources for additional support.
Born and raised in East London, Natasha has spent her career working in some of the most impoverished areas of the city. Through Blessings Bestowed, Natasha visits GP surgeries and community settings to provide a range of healthcare services and advice. She set up the business after realising many people had ‘lost faith’ in healthcare during the pandemic. “I was coming into contact with people who were facing obstacles accessing their GP so they gave up trying,” she says. “Being neurodivergent enhances my understanding of the challenges people face in accessing and understanding healthcare, so I use my strong connection with people to deliver health education and advocacy in a way that resonates with them. The response has been astounding, I feel like I’m doing something good.”
Natasha has diagnosed diabetes in Restart Scheme participants who were not aware they had the condition and helped others to better manage their mental health by providing coping mechanisms for depression. Her advice, usually given at an early, precautionary stage helps alleviate pressure on local GP and wider NHS services.
“I never thought it would make such a big impact,” Natasha says. “I am already seeing some success stories as people’s health is improving.” She adds: “Ingeus looks after people holistically. Every need is sorted out, whether it’s a language barrier, or technology, or a health issue. I am not exaggerating; if I discuss someone’s needs with Ingeus, I know the best scenario for that person will happen. Their dedication inspires me and reinforces the importance of teamwork in delivering a compassionate, high-quality service.”
