WorkWell Northamptonshire
WorkWell
This section contains guidance related to WorkWell Northamptonshire.
WorkWell Northamptonshire
Helping you stay in work, return to work or find work
WorkWell is a free support service bringing together health and employment support to help people start, stay and succeed in work.
The programme is backed by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social Care and is designed to provide early, personalised support for people whose health or disability may be affecting their employment.
We know that work and health are closely connected . Being in good-quality work can have a positive impact on our health, wellbeing and financial security. At the same time, health conditions can make it more difficult to find work, stay in work or return following a period of absence.
WorkWell aims to make it easier for people to get the right support at the right time.
How WorkWell works in Northamptonshire
WorkWell has now launched in Northamptonshire, offering support through a neighbourhood-based approach .
The service is delivered by the General Practice Alliance (GPA) , as the lead federation, with WorkWell coaches working across Northamptonshire. Coaches will be based within local communities, alongside roving health coaches who can provide support across different neighbourhoods.
This flexible approach means support can be delivered closer to where people live and can respond to the differing needs of communities across Northamptonshire.
Participants will work with a dedicated WorkWell coach who will take the time to understand their individual circumstances, including any health-related barriers to employment. Together, they will develop a personalised plan and identify other local services that may be able to help.
Who can WorkWell support?
WorkWell is available to people with a disability or health condition who:
-
need support to remain in work
-
are off sick and need support to manage their condition and return to work
-
need support to start work.
Support is tailored to the individual and their circumstances.
What support is available?
WorkWell coaches can provide:
-
an initial assessment to understand health and other barriers affecting work
-
personalised plans to help people return to work or thrive in their current role
-
support that considers physical, psychological and social needs
-
advice about reasonable workplace adjustments
-
support with conversations with employers, where the participant gives their consent
-
personalised work and health support, with follow-up appointments where needed
-
connections and referrals to other local health, wellbeing, employment and community services.
The aim is to provide practical, joined-up support rather than expecting people to navigate different services on their own.
How to access WorkWell
People can be referred to WorkWell through a range of routes, including:
-
their employer
-
their GP or another primary care professional
-
Jobcentre Plus
-
local health, employment or community services
-
self-referral.
Support for employers
WorkWell can also support employers to help employees who may be struggling at work because of a health condition or who are preparing to return following sickness absence.
With the employee's consent, a WorkWell coach can liaise with their employer, share relevant elements of their work plan and provide advice around workplace adjustments and other ways they can be supported to stay well in work.
About WorkWell
WorkWell is a national programme backed by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social Care . It aims to support people with health conditions and disabilities to overcome barriers to employment through joined-up work and health support.
The programme focuses on early intervention , helping people access support before health-related difficulties become a longer-term barrier to employment.
