We are delighted to announce that we are partnering with Enable Therapy Services (ETS) to increase the benefits and range of support available to its Income Protection members.

The new partnership will focus on supporting members who are unable to work due to incapacity or illness by providing rehabilitation and vocational case management services supported by occupational therapy. ETS caters for all requirements from moderate to severe and catastrophic injuries and illnesses, including acquired brain and spinal injuries, and is one of the most trusted names in the occupational health and rehabilitation industry.

The new support services aim to help our members get back to their normal lives faster following sickness or injury, and they build upon the friendly society’s existing partnerships with CBT Clinics, which focuses on counselling, and Vita Health Group, which assists members through physiotherapy.

Our CEO, Ann-Marie O’Dea, said: “Time off from work due to ill health can have a big impact on our members’ overall wellbeing. Our new partnership with Enable Therapy Services, a market-leading rehabilitation provider, will focus on providing support to our members at the earliest possible opportunity.

“At Shepherds Friendly, we always place the member at the heart of our Society and we understand that every Income Protection member’s road to recovery is different. Therefore, we wanted to expand and increase our focus on the care and support services on offer, especially at a time when we see the NHS under pressure. Members will have access to the highest levels of tailored vocational support, all provided by specialist occupational therapist clinicians who cover the whole of the UK.”

Anita Devine, Business Development Manager at ETS, commented: “Enable Therapy Services are delighted, honoured and excited to be working collaboratively with Shepherds Friendly in supporting their members to manage long-term conditions, illness and returning to work. We appreciate that no two patients are the same which is why we offer a truly client focused rehabilitation service.

“We have been very impressed by Shepherds Friendly’s personal and positive approach to understanding and showing compassion towards their members, by supporting rehabilitation, vocational support and independence. ETS has a wealth of knowledge in rehabilitation, condition management and vocational rehabilitation and we feel privileged to share our expertise with the proactive Shepherds Friendly team to the benefit of their members.”