New WorkWell scheme to help residents to stay on course in their careers

New WorkWell scheme to help residents to stay on course in their careers

Wigan Council's Be Well team will deliver the service alongside NHS GM, Ingeus and The Growth Company

A brand-new early intervention service will help Wigan Borough residents facing health challenges to keep their careers on track.

Funded by the UK government, the WorkWell scheme will work with people facing health-related employment barriers – helping them stay in their jobs or get back to work after time away.

The programme will be delivered locally by Wigan Council’s Be Well service in collaboration with NHS Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and commissioned providers Ingeus and The Growth Company.

WorkWell will give individuals the opportunity to work alongside an experienced work and health coach who will listen and help them to overcome challenges as well as identifying strengths, providing advice and support, and connecting them with services such as health professionals, skills and job opportunities, community groups and other support networks.

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Deputy Leader of Wigan Council and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: “Work plays such a big part in our lives, and not just for financial stability. It’s also a way to connect with others, explore and develop our skills, grow as people and feel fulfilled.

“So, it can be hard when a disability or an issue with our physical or mental health gets in the way or knocks us off course.

“Now, through Be Well and the new WorkWell programme, residents can quickly access personalised support to stay in their job or get their career back on track – which is good news for them, their employers, and our local economy.

“There are no waiting lists and support is available for individuals living in Wigan Borough, or registered with a local GP, whether they are currently unemployed, self-employed or recently unemployed.”

Greater Manchester is one of 15 areas across England involved in the £64m pilot scheme, which is set to run until 31 March 2026. It aims to support around 8,000 people in the region.

The initiative is part of the government's broader £2.5bn Back to Work plan, which aims to help up to 1.1 million people with long-term health conditions or disabilities, or who have experienced long-term unemployment, to look for and stay in work.

Through early intervention, WorkWell aims to give individuals the support they need before their health or disability forces them out their job.

The service will also take a collaborative approach with employers, helping them make reasonable workplace adjustments so their employees have the best chance of staying in or returning to work.

Those looking for support can complete an online self-referral via the Be Well website, or have a professional submit a referral on their behalf.

For more information, visit WorkWell (external link).