WorkWell support service launches across Lancashire and South Cumbria

A national support service designed to help disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay or succeed in work has been rolled out across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

WorkWell schemes have launched in local areas throughout the past three months, but the service is now available to everyone that lives in the region.

Created as part of the Government’s plan to help people with health conditions back to work, the service provides tailored help and assessment for people aged 16 and above at risk of falling out of work or for those who have had to stop working because of a health condition.

Dr Andy Knox, associate medical director of population health for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board – which commissions the service - said: “WorkWell is a new programme aimed at helping people with some physical and mental health conditions by providing support to return or stay in work.

“As part of the offer, individuals will have access to a work and health coach, who will offer individualised support for up to 12 weeks and help create some clear objectives that address individuals’ physical, psychological and social needs.”

Lancashire and South Cumbria was chosen last year as one of 15 regions in England to pilot the WorkWell service, and it now operates in Barrow-in-Furness, Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Lancaster, Preston and West Lancashire - although anyone who lives in Lancashire and South Cumbria can access it.

To be eligible you will be either out-of-work for less than six months and need health-related support to return to work, or employed and absent through sickness or struggling in the workplace due to a health condition.

However, the service isn’t designed for individuals with complex health needs and conditions, or those who are long-term unemployed.

Dr Knox added: “Now that the programme has fully launched across the whole of Lancashire and South Cumbria, we want everyone who is eligible to take advantage of this big opportunity.

“Eligible individuals can refer themselves to the service through one of the seven districts.

“We also work with local employers to address some of the barriers people face in work or returning to work when they have a physical or mental condition, and I think the service will have a positive impact for local people and employers in our region."

To access WorkWell or find out more, visit www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/workwell