WorkWell is a programme that we are piloting in Lancashire and South Cumbria that aims to help disabled people and people with health conditions to start and stay in work.
This service is free and voluntary, and as part of the offer, participants will have access to a Work and Health Coach. Together, they will agree realistic and reasonable next steps that can form part of a personalised support plan. Work and Health Coaches will consider the full range of available local support and provide signposting, tailored to individual need.
The aim of WorkWell is to support disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay or succeed in work. WorkWell can offer a range of support, which may include:
- A personal assessment of your needs to understand what support might work best for your circumstances.
- Personalised, goal-based plans to address your physical, mental wellbeing, and social needs to help you return to and/or thrive in work.
- Access and referral to local and community-based work and health support services.
- Support for employers to understand your needs and advice on how to provide workplace adjustments that support you (employers will only be contacted with your permission).
WorkWell is for physical and health problems that are not complex but are affecting a person’s life, either affecting their ability to work or look for work. It is anything that is causing the person recent problems. This could be things like:
- Feelings of being overloaded with life, and so experiencing stress or feeling overwhelmed and needing space to talk.
- Musculoskeletal (MSK), back or knee problems, or other discomfort and muscular problems.
- A flare up of a long term condition – we will work alongside any help you get from your GP or consultant with this.
- Life changing circumstances affecting confidence, skills and aspirations.
If any of the above sound familiar please get in touch with us. This service is free and voluntary, and as part of the offer, participants will have access to a WorkWell Coach. Together, they will agree realistic and reasonable next steps that can form part of a personalised support plan. WorkWell Coaches will consider the full range of available local support and provide signposting, tailored to individual need.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the programme, participants will be either:
- out-of-work and need health-related support to return to work or
- employed and either absent through sickness or struggling in the workplace due to a health condition.
Participants must also meet the following criteria:
- Their home address or GP address is within the Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB footprint. The WorkWell Team in the service hub closest to where you live can help you.
- Over 18*
- Has the right to work in the UK.
*Some of our districts may be able to support people over 16 if they are undertaking a full time workplace-based apprenticeship. Please enquire with your local district to find out more.
How can you be referred?
You can choose to self-refer, your employer may offer to refer you, or your GP or other health professional may refer you to the service. There are also a number of voluntary and community organisations that can refer you to the service.
