WorkWell initiative helps 1,000th participant in Lancashire and South Cumbria access support to return to work

An initiative that supports people who are out of work due to health conditions or disabilities has helped its 1,000th participant in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The WorkWell programme was fully rolled out across the region earlier this year, with the aim of helping physical and or mental health conditions to start and stay in work.

The free, voluntary and confidential service gives participants access to a work and health coach, who can help form part of a personalised support plan and provide local signposting, tailored to the individual’s need.

Lancashire and South Cumbria was one of 15 regions in England selected by the Government last year to pilot the initiative, which now fully operates in Barrow-in-Furness, Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Lancaster, Preston and West Lancashire – however, any eligible adult in the region can access it.

Ian Treasure, the WorkWell programme lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: "We have recently passed the milestone of having 1,000 participants in our region, which is fantastic, and the responses we’ve had so far have been really positive.

“We now want to make as many people as possible aware that this service is available and may be able to help you if you are out of work or off sick due to recent physical or health problems that are not considered complex but are affecting your ability to work.

“It’s entirely free, it’s self-referral, and if you think you could be eligible, all you need to do is text WORKWELL to 86688 and we’ll be in touch.”

WorkWell can offer a range of support to participants, that may include: a personal assessment of your needs; goal-based plans to address your physical, mental wellbeing, and social needs to help you return to, or thrive in, work; access to local and community-based work and health support services; and support for employers to understand your needs (only with your permission).

People who are experiencing things like stress or feelings of being overwhelmed, flare-ups of a long-term condition, musculoskeletal, back or knee problems, or undergoing life-changing circumstances affecting confidence, skills and aspirations, may be eligible.

Your employer may offer to refer you, or your GP or other health professional may refer you to the service, however you can also refer yourself to access this support; any adults in Lancashire and South Cumbria who believe they are eligible can visit www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/our-work/workwell to see the full eligibility criteria and click through to their local service to register. Alternatively, text WORKWELL to 86688 (texts charged at their standard rate) to get started.