The WorkWell service is designed to support people with a mental or physical disability or health condition which is affecting their work life. This includes people currently in work or who have been signed off work due to sickness or who are at risk of being signed off work. The service also supports participants who have become unemployed as a result of a disability or health condition. 

The service provides one-to-one support by matching an individual with a Work and Health coach who provides holistic, personalised support for the participant to create a plan to thrive at work, a return to work, or to seek work .

WorkWell is a voluntary programme, and people can withdraw at any time. The maximum support for a person at work is for eight weeks, and for a person who is seeking employment it is for a maximum of 16 weeks. 

GP Fit Note data shows that one in five people who are signed off work with a Fit Note for more than four weeks do not return to work. The highest recorded reasons for absence from work are mental health and musculoskeletal (MSK) issues. 

In addition to being supported by a Work and Health coach, the WorkWell service hosts a multi-disciplinary team, which includes practitioners who specialise in mental health, occupational health, and employment retention. With advice from that team, WorkWell can fund clinical and non-clinical interventions to support individuals, depending on the content of their personalised action plan.

WorkWell is part of a national pilot scheme. It is a partnership between NCL ICB local authorities, NHS organisations and voluntary community and social enterprise organisations across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, and is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social Care. 

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

NCL resident or registered with an NCL GP with a health condition or disability who want to improve their work situation. Participation does not depend on, and does not affect, benefit status.

For example:

• people with long-term health conditions, mental health or MSK issues or disabilities who express work-related concerns
• individuals on long-term sick leave who might benefit from a supported return to work
• people whose health might improve through appropriate, supported employment

Exclusions

WorkWell is designed to offer light touch support. This means that people with intensive support needs or who have been unemployed for a long time will not be suitable for this service.

However, the provider, Shaw Trust, has a 'No Wrong Door' approach so will signpost people who are not suitable for the WorkWell service to a more suitable employment support service. 

How to Refer