Understanding WorkWell Services in Lancashire and South Cumbria

An introduction to WorkWell in Lancashire and South Cumbria April 2025 April 2025 For Front Line Workers awareness of the services and how to refer in

Strategic Context WorkWell is more about the Well than the Work No requirement for anyone unemployed to get a job but be CLOSER TO THE LABOUR MARKET Early intervention will divert life courses away from escalating harm WorkWell is a lower threshold of need. Work and Health programmes such as IPS (complex mental health), and the forthcoming Connect to Work are for more complex problems than WorkWell The programme is a test and learn (Vanguard) has a local evaluation and a national evaluation at various levels. Every WorkWell programme is configured differently because it is place based

What is WorkWell WorkWell aims to help people with physical and mental health conditions to start work or if they are currently off work sick, stay in work. It 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 Things like: Overloaded with life, and so experiencing stress. MSK/Back/Knee, or digestive problems, muscular problems A flare up of a long term condition Life changing circumstances affecting confidence, skills and aspirations. We recognize that this list could be pages long, so we ask you to consider if short term work and health coach input could help them. This service is free and voluntary, participants will have access to a Work and Health Coach, a personalised support plan to consider the full range of available local support tailored to individual need. The WorkWell Vanguard runs until 31stMarch 2026. Please use us whilst we are here.

Barrow Blackpool Blackburn with Darwen Burnley Lancaster Preston West Lancashire Service Hubs in Lancashire and South Cumbria But anyone living anywhere in Geographical Lancashire or South Cumbria can access these services. They can access the one they choose. Services are 9-5 Monday to Friday but we can be flexible within reason around these times (e.g. 8am or 6pm)

So, for People living in or registered with a GP in Lancashire and South Cumbria, who is WorkWell aimed at? 1. In work active. Those have a reported health condition or health concern, who are in work but are at risk of dropping out of the workforce. 2. in work inactive Those who are currently off work (ideally as soon as they go off work, ideally up to 6 months but could be longer providing the person does not have complex issues). 3. Out of work - Unemployed. People who are on benefits and who have been unable to look for work due to physical or mental health concerns. Any one of the above means the person is eligible. For apprenticeships, providing the person has a work-based apprenticeship they would be eligible. Anyone in F/T education, maybe working 1 day a week to support studies, would not be eligible. WorkWell is NOT ABLE TO SUPPORT COMPLEX NEEDS

The WorkWell Participant journey

What will participants get? Gain insight When a participant joins WorkWell, they will be allocated a Work and Health coach who understands both health and work and the impact they can have on each other. Time to talk Participants can discuss the impact their health condition has on their life as well as any challenges they face with managing their health in work. Their coach will listen and talk through any concerns or questions they may have in confidence. The aim is to understand their needs and hopes for the future so they can be better supported. A personalised plan Their coach will work with them to identify and agree realistic and appropriate next steps as part of a tailored support plan. It will be up to them to decide whether they take up these suggestions. Ongoing support Their coach can continue to provide support as needed and help them understand and access the services or resources that are available. This could include healthcare professionals, community sector services, health promotion programmes, more intensive employment support, and much more.

What is included within the coaching programme? The Work and Health Coaches will offer individualised support for up to 12 weeks which will include: A person-centred, holistic initial assessment (WORKSTAR) to identify barriers to good health or to employment. Return-to-work/thrive-in-work planning, with clear objectives that address physical, psychological and social needs. Employer liaison, if the participant consents, to share the work plan and provide work related advice. Advice for employers on workplace adjustments. Personalised work and health support through low intensity appointments to take stock of progress and recommend further actions and activities.

What can you do? Please refer into workwell anyone who is struggling with low level health problems, at risk of falling out of work. We would also appreciate you mentioning WorkWell to other services in your area as you will have regular contact with them WorkWell can quickly help people before issues get too bad for them. https://www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/our- work/workwell