£7M Greater Manchester Pilot Helping Residents Stay in Work While Managing Health

• Greater Manchester is one of 15 areas selected to pilot the WorkWell service, running until 31st March 2026.
• Awarded £7million in Government funding to offer tailored support for people struggling to stay in work due to health issues or disabilities, as well as for those who have recently left work due to poor health, helping them return to employment.
• Part of the city-region Live Well initiative, WorkWell ensures access to health and wellbeing support across every neighbourhood in Greater Manchester.

• If you’re struggling to stay in work due to health issues, contact WorkWell today. Visit your local council website or call for more information and support.
• The pilot aims to help around 8,000 local people.

How WorkWell works?

The WorkWell service takes a personalised approach by matching individuals with a dedicated work and health coach. These coaches help people access the right services to improve their wellbeing and job prospects. They offer guidance on overcoming barriers to work and can refer individuals to healthcare professionals for support with physical and mental health needs, including musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) and anxiety. By offering early support, such as physiotherapy, talking therapies, and lifestyle advice, WorkWell helps people stay well and prevent their health needs from getting worse.

Additionally, coaches support individuals in building skills, finding suitable job opportunities, and creating tailored CVs and cover letters. They guide participants through interview preparation, offering practical advice to build confidence. Coaches also explore flexible work options that meet personal needs and connect individuals to local community groups for extra resources and support. These services are available both by phone and in person, providing flexible access to support.

WorkWell is delivered in partnership by NHS Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local authorities, health organisations, and community groups. It forms part of a £64 million national programme from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to improve health and employment outcomes across the country.

A key part of Greater Manchester’s Live Well commitment

The WorkWell pilot is an essential part of Greater Manchester’s broader Live Well commitment, which aims to tackle health, social, and economic inequalities by transforming how public services are delivered. Live Well is focused on ensuring that everyone has access to the right support, resources, and opportunities to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

Through combining personalised job and health support within local communities, WorkWell builds on the success of Greater Manchester’s flagship Working Well programme, which has already supported over 80,000 residents and helped nearly 30,000 people into employment.

Greater Manchester’s Live Well Plan has also been awarded a £10 million funding boost to tackle inequalities, improve health, and support people in returning to work. This investment is part of the city-region’s ongoing commitment to helping those facing employment barriers due to health challenges. Funded through the “Get Britain Working White Paper”, the boost will build on initiatives like WorkWell, offering tailored support to individuals with health-related barriers to employment.

Providing early support to prevent long-term unemployment

Early intervention is key. Findings from the Working Well: Work and Health Programme show that people unemployed for up to six months have the highest chance of finding a job (49.7%). However, this likelihood decreases the longer someone is out of work, dropping to just 13.6% after ten years. By acting early, WorkWell aims to prevent long-term job losses due to health conditions.

Who can access WorkWell?

• WorkWell is available to anyone aged 16 or older, who is eligible to work in the UK.
• Open to self-referrals or referrals via GPs and pharmacists, employers, or community organisations.
• Available to Greater Manchester residents or anyone registered with a GP or JobCentre Plus in the area.

NHS Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority are encouraging local employers to learn more about WorkWell and how they can support employees with health conditions to remain in work. Employers can access guidance on workplace adjustments and additional resources.

Mark Fisher, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Manchester, said:

"This is really welcome news for Greater Manchester and the people who live here. Unfortunately, too many people in our city-region are unable to work due to poor health, and this has a profound impact on their lives and wellbeing.

“The longer people are out of work, the harder it is to get back into employment. That’s why being part of the WorkWell pilot is so important. Over the next two years, we will support at least 8,000 local people to remain in or return to work – something we know is truly life-changing.

"This is not something we can do alone. To reach as many people as possible, we will build upon existing support services and work closely with our ten local authorities, the GMCA, and Greater Manchester’s vibrant voluntary sector. Most importantly, we will do this in partnership with local people to make a positive impact on their health and lives."

Mayor of Greater Manchester and Co-Chair of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, Andy Burnham said:

"WorkWell is already improving people’s lives and is a key part of our effort to better connect health and employment support. By bringing these services together, we’re helping residents find work and build a better future.

“The early success stories from WorkWell show what’s possible when we bring together our brilliant community groups, voluntary organisations, and the NHS. This is about removing barriers people face and making sure everyone in Greater Manchester gets the right support at the right time to improve their health and find good jobs. I’m proud that Greater Manchester is leading the way with this initiative.

Mayor Burnham added, “The extra £10 million funding for Live Well, as part of the 'Get Britain Working White Paper' initiative, highlights our commitment to making Greater Manchester a city-region where everyone has access to the support needed to lead healthier lives and succeed in the workplace. This investment will have a real impact for those facing health challenges”.

Accessing WorkWell

If you or someone you know is facing health challenges that make it difficult to stay in work, don’t wait – reach out to WorkWell today! Visit your local council website and search for ‘WorkWell’, or visit: WorkWell - Greater Manchester Combined Authority for more information on available services. Y

Article Published: 10/03/2025 12:54 PM