People in Greater Manchester with heath conditions are getting new support to help them find employment, thanks to a government funded pilot designed and commissioned in collaboration with Manchester City Council.
The WorkWell programme sees Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and The Growth Company working together to provide specialist support to anyone aged 16 or older living in Greater Manchester.
The programme’s work and health coaches provide one-to-one support to assess a person’s needs and create tailored plans focused on overcoming health-related barriers to employment. The support extends to providing guidance on workplace adjustments to meet health needs, exploring suitable employment and career options, and support access local services.
One of those supported by the programme was Emily. Emily unexpectedly lost her job at a creative arts and wellbeing charity after decades of continuous employment:
“I’d worked for 27 years, work was a fundamental part of my life and I found it incredibly difficult when it suddenly wasn’t anymore.
“It was a real shock and my confidence took a hit, I couldn’t come to terms with it. I wasn’t really sure what to do next or how I could get myself back on my feet.
“After visiting my local Jobcentre Plus, they told me about the WorkWell programme as I was really starting to struggle with my mental health and wanted to make sure I was taking some proactive steps.
“It turned out to be a fantastic decision. My assigned work coach supported me with my journey and helped me feel empowered to take control of the direction I wanted my life to go in.
“They make sure it’s shaped around the individual in a way you’re most comfortable with, I chose my local library as our meeting place and much of the first session was just my work coach listening to what my current circumstance was and generally what my story is as a person.
“After that, we looked at job opportunities that might fit me and my skills. I was worried having spent so long in one unique job sector, I would struggle to find an employer who’d think me a good fit. But my work coach helped me to understand it’s more about the transferable skills I have and finding an opportunity that works for me.
“I found it incredibly helpful, after becoming unemployed I had a mindset of applying for anything and just getting a job. The WorkWell programme helped me to understand that such an approach was too short term and I’d likely end up back in this cycle.”
As well as guiding people on their journey to finding meaningful employment opportunities, the WorkWell programme supports people with their mental health:
“Becoming unemployed took a massive toll on my mental health.” Explained Emily.
“Half the challenge is getting yourself in the right headspace. The approach of my work coach meant we made good progress from the beginning, she really listened and provided good insight. It wasn’t just a conversation, I felt like I had a connection with someone outside of my usual circle. I’d become withdrawn with family and friends, so it was good to have someone to go to and do something constructive.
“The support to upskill me has been invaluable, whether that’s becoming better at completing job applications or managing interview settings. In my previous job I actually referred people to WorkWell and now I have seen it from the other side I really can’t fault it.
“I feel better about myself, which in turn makes me feel more prepared and confident about finding meaningful employment again. A month ago I wouldn’t have been to hold myself together talking about this, I’m definitely not as tearful anymore!
“I’m looking at retraining in student support and things have moved on in a positive direction, I feel very grateful for the help I was given.”
Diane Reid, Musculoskeletal Transformation Clinical Lead, is one of the clinical leads at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust implementing the programme and explained the early findings:
“Over an 18-month pilot period, the WorkWell programme aims to provide employment support to 600 individuals, enhancing their chances of returning to work and improving overall wellbeing.
“Since the service was launched in December 2024, over 1000 referrals have been made already from NHS physiotherapists at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust leading to positive employment outcomes for patients.
“It’s demonstrated the potential for a more streamlined approach to supporting patients both with their health and employment needs. The work we have done has really highlighted the importance of equitable support, particularly for older residents and ethnic minorities.
“We’ve also seen evidence that, in order to improve employability chances and prevent long-term economic inactivity, it’s very important to ensure early intervention. By focusing on early intervention and holistic support, the WorkWell programme seeks to improve employability, address skill gaps, and promote sustained workforce participation.”
Following the successful start the service has made, referrals are being expanded to other services within Manchester University Foundation Trust to ensure that more patients with employment challenges linked to their health can benefit from the offer.