The innovative WorkWell service is transforming health and employment outcomes in Greater Manchester by providing personalised support through dedicated work and health coaches.
This initiative is part of a £64 million national programme aimed at improving wellbeing and job prospects across the country.
Some of the key features of the initiative include:
- Personalised Coaching: Individuals are matched with dedicated work and health coaches who help them access the right services to improve their wellbeing and job prospects. Coaches offer guidance on overcoming barriers to work and can refer individuals to healthcare professionals for support with physical and mental health needs, including musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) and anxiety.
- Early Support and Intervention: WorkWell provides early support such as physiotherapy, talking therapies, and lifestyle advice to help people stay well and prevent their health needs from worsening.
- Skill Building and Job Search Assistance: Coaches assist individuals in building skills, finding suitable job opportunities, and creating tailored CVs and cover letters. They also guide participants through interview preparation and explore flexible work options that meet personal needs.
- Community Connections: The service connects individuals to local community groups for additional resources and support, available both by phone and in person for flexible access.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said:
"WorkWell is already improving people’s lives and is a key part of our effort to better connect health and employment support. By bringing these services together, we’re helping residents find work and build a better future.
“The early success stories from WorkWell show what’s possible when we bring together our brilliant community groups, voluntary organisations, and the NHS. This is about removing barriers people face and making sure everyone in Greater Manchester gets the right support at the right time to improve their health and find good jobs. I’m proud that Greater Manchester is leading the way with this initiative.
Mayor Burnham added, “The extra £10 million funding for Live Well, as part of the 'Get Britain Working White Paper' initiative, highlights our commitment to making Greater Manchester a city-region where everyone has access to the support needed to lead healthier lives and succeed in the workplace. This investment will have a real impact for those facing health challenges”.
WorkWell is delivered in partnership by NHS Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local authorities, health organisations, and community groups. It builds on the success of Greater Manchester’s flagship Working Well programme, which has already supported over 80,000 residents and helped nearly 30,000 people into employment.
The WorkWell pilot is part of Greater Manchester’s broader Live Well commitment, which aims to tackle health, social, and economic inequalities by transforming public service delivery. The Live Well Plan recently received a £10 million funding boost to further support people in returning to work and addressing health-related employment barriers.
By combining personalised job and health support within local communities, WorkWell is making a significant impact on the lives of Greater Manchester residents. This initiative is a crucial part of the city-region’s ongoing commitment to helping those facing employment barriers due to health challenges.
Image credit: iStock
