A new programme has been launched to integrate work and health services in Manchester, part of the Greater Manchester WorkWell Vanguard – one of 15 pilots running nationally.
The programme, led by NHS Greater Manchester, and running until 31 March 2026, aims to assist 8,000 people across Greater Manchester in a programme worth up to £7 million. The WorkWell programme, which is funded by the UK Government, will benefit Manchester residents who are at risk of falling out of work or who have stopped working recently because of their health following new funding from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
WorkWell leverages Manchester’s existing health and employment infrastructure and aligns closely with the principles of the Making Manchester Fairer action plan, aimed at reducing health inequalities.
Manchester’s WorkWell programme aims to support 1,620 residents in total. Funding for the initiative (based on participant numbers and engagement) adds up to £1.3 million.
The aim of the programme is to deliver low-intensity light-touch work and health support services. Good work is good for health and there is a need for greater access to support that can enable people with health conditions to overcome barriers to employment and help them to stay, start, and succeed in work.
WorkWell is designed to support participants with physical and/or mental health conditions. WorkWell will prioritise intervening at the earliest possible points.
As a result, it is expected that most people who will benefit from WorkWell are those in work with health barriers putting their work at risk, and those recently unemployed with health conditions, with targeted support for racially minoritised communities who experience inequity of access to appropriate employment support services and ‘good’ work.
WorkWell will sit at the heart of the local work and health system, connecting the wider support and services available to participants’ needs.
The Manchester WorkWell providers currently delivering support are The Growth Company and Big Life. Alchemy Arts in collaboration with Pathways and African Caribbean Mental Health Services in collaboration with Empower Consultants will deliver from January 2025, directly supporting Racially Minoritised Groups.
WorkWell is a voluntary programme and suitable participants will be identified by providers and invited to participate.
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, said: “The launch of WorkWell is a vital step forward in integrating employment and health support to help Manchester residents overcome barriers to staying in or returning to work. Working in alignment with our Making Manchester Fairer aims, WorkWell’s focus is on tackling the causes of health inequalities and recognises that good work is good for health.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said: "The WorkWell programme is a vital step in ensuring that Manchester’s workforce remains healthy, resilient, and supported. Good work is essential for good health, and this initiative will help residents with health conditions stay in or return to employment, while also addressing the health inequalities that exist in our city."
To find out more about WorkWell Manchester, email work.skills.admin@manchester.gov.uk