WorkWell is Supporting People’s Health and Job Prospects in Manchester

• Commissioned by Manchester City Council, WorkWell is delivered in Manchester by the Growth Company and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
• The programme aims to help people with health conditions find, stay in, and return to work.
• Part of a broader UK government policy, it focuses on early intervention in healthcare settings and includes collaboration with employers.

Greater Manchester residents with health conditions are benefitting from a new kind of employment support.

Funded by the UK government and commissioned in collaboration with Manchester City Council, WorkWell is jointly delivered by the Growth Company and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

The programme’s work and health coaches provide one-to-one support that is tailored to each person’s needs, creating bespoke plans to help them overcome any health-related barriers to employment. This support includes guidance on workplace adjustments to meet individual health needs, advice on suitable employment and career options, and help to access relevant local services.

But does it work? Elizabeth seems to think so.

Elizabeth’s story

Elizabeth unexpectedly lost her creative role at an arts and wellbeing charity after decades of service:

“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 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 that 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 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, WorkWell supports people with their mental health.

“Becoming unemployed took a massive toll on my mental health,” explained Elizabeth.

“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 able 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.”

Joined-up support

Diana Read is the Musculoskeletal Transformation Clinical Lead at Manchester University Foundation Trust, which means she is responsible for implementing WorkWell.

Explaining the initial findings from the programme, she said: “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 1,000 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.”

Michelle Leeson, Managing Director of the Growth Company Employment, agreed: “WorkWell recognises that, in many cases, health and employment outcomes are two sides of the same coin.

“The programme’s early successes in Manchester prove as much. They also show that early interventions in healthcare settings and personalised support are important tools when it comes to tackling both short- and long-term economic inactivity.”

Find out more

Visit the WorkWell page on our website to find out more about WorkWell and how it can help individuals and employers.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 30-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Contact us today to find out more.