We welcome the announcement that WorkWell, a scheme piloted locally, providing support to help people get into, and stay in, work, will be launched nationally, along with confirmed local funding for it to continue.
WorkWell is a voluntary service, jointly sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social Care, designed to offer optional support to disabled people, or people with health conditions, who would like support to stay at work, are planning to return to work after an absence, or who are looking for a new job.
The service offers support to people aged 16 or older who live in (or are registered with a GP within) 13 boroughs in North West and North Central London.
It’s delivered through a partnership including local NHS trusts, GPs, local authorities, Jobcentre Plus, and a delivery partner – employment charity, The Shaw Trust.
Since its launch in October 2024, WorkWell has supported over 6,400 disabled people and/or people with health conditions across North West and North Central London to find, remain in, or return to work after a period of absence.
Participants are matched to a Work and Health coach. Referrals are possible from a number of routes, including self-referral, via their GP, or Jobcentre Plus (the three most frequently used). The coach supports the participant to develop a personalised work and health plan.
The voluntary programme is open to anyone who would like support, regardless of benefit status, whose ability to work is affected by health conditions or disabilities. Participants must be 16 years of age or older.
The confirmation of the national rollout means that the WorkWell programme in North London, will receive funding to enable it to continue, as part of the national announcement.
Sarah Morgan, Chief People Officer at North Central and North West London Integrated Care Boards, said: “We are delighted at this very welcome news. I am pleased that our programme in North London has helped evidence the power and potential impact of what can happen when we break down the barriers between health and employment services.
“We know that work is a vital part of supporting people’s overall health and wellbeing.
“Many of the people our teams have seen and helped are experiencing very challenging and difficult periods in their lives, but we have seen so many powerful examples of how offering the option of help, at any early stage, can make a huge difference.
She added: “The confirmation of multi-year funding will mean we can do even more, knowing we can plan the service for the future.”
One in five people who are signed off work for more than four weeks do not return to work; and there are nearly three million people off work due to health needs in the UK.
Chris Luck, Chief Executive at the Shaw Trust, the employment charity which is delivering the service across North London, in partnership with the ICBs and West London Alliance, said: “We’ve seen first-hand the difference WorkWell can make in our work supporting over 6,400 people in North West and North Central London, as part of the initial pilot programme.
“We welcome the expansion of the service to support people nationwide, and look forward to seeing its future impact.”
Success Stories
Julie and Jay* both faced job loss due to health struggles. With WorkWell’s help, they got the right support, found flexible work options, and regained financial stability.
Julie, who experienced a miscarriage and soon after lost her job, said: “My Work and Health Coach referred me to therapy and, thanks to her swift action, I am now feeling significantly better. My coach has also helped me to gain a permanent job, which has given me stability and security. Her support has made a significant difference in my life and in my journey toward better health and wellbeing.”
Jay struggled to find work since he graduated from university. He had a stroke and experienced problems with coordination and his mental health. Through WorkWell, Jay’s confidence and wellbeing have improved and he has recently signed up with a recruitment agency.
He said working with the Shaw Trust has been: “insightful and supportive”, adding: “It made me feel comfortable seeking help. WorkWell has helped me to manage a balance between reality and ambition going forward on how to achieve my personal goals and success.”
*Names changed.
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If you live in or are registered with a GP in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington, find out more: WorkWell North Central London
If you live in or are registered with a GP in Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Ealing, Westminster, or Kensington & Chelsea, find out more: WorkWell North West London