£7 million WorkWell pilot scheme helps Greater Manchester residents stay in work while managing health

Greater Manchester is among the 15 areas to pilot the WorkWell service, which offers support to help people with health issues stay in or return to work.

The city-region has been awarded £7 million in government funding to deliver the tailored programme of support through to 31st March 2026. Support will sit alongside the city-region’s Live Well initiative that ensures access to health and wellbeing support across every neighbourhood in Greater Manchester.

WorkWell is delivered in partnership by NHS Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local authorities, health organisations, and community groups. It forms part of a £64 million national programme from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to improve health and employment outcomes across the country.

The WorkWell service takes a personalised approach by matching individuals with a dedicated work and health coach. These coaches help people access the right services to improve their wellbeing and job prospects. They offer guidance on overcoming barriers to work and can refer individuals to healthcare professionals for support with physical and mental health needs, including musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) and anxiety. By offering early support, such as physiotherapy, talking therapies, and lifestyle advice, WorkWell helps people stay well and prevent their health needs from getting worse.

Additionally, coaches support individuals in building skills, finding suitable job opportunities, and creating tailored CVs and cover letters. They guide participants through interview preparation, offering practical advice to build confidence. Coaches also explore flexible work options that meet personal needs and connect individuals to local community groups for extra resources and support. These services are available both by phone and in person, providing flexible access to support.

Mark Fisher, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Manchester, said:

“This is really welcome news for Greater Manchester and the people who live here. Unfortunately, too many people in our city-region are unable to work due to poor health, and this has a profound impact on their lives and wellbeing.

“The longer people are out of work, the harder it is to get back into employment. That’s why being part of the WorkWell pilot is so important. Over the next two years, we will support at least 8,000 local people to remain in or return to work – something we know is truly life-changing.

“This is not something we can do alone. To reach as many people as possible, we will build upon existing support services and work closely with our ten local authorities, the GMCA, and Greater Manchester’s vibrant voluntary sector. Most importantly, we will do this in partnership with local people to make a positive impact on their health and lives.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester and Co-Chair of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, Andy Burnham said:

“WorkWell is already improving people’s lives and is a key part of our effort to better connect health and employment support. By bringing these services together, we’re helping residents find work and build a better future.

“The early success stories from WorkWell show what’s possible when we bring together our brilliant community groups, voluntary organisations, and the NHS. This is about removing barriers people face and making sure everyone in Greater Manchester gets the right support at the right time to improve their health and find good jobs. I’m proud that Greater Manchester is leading the way with this initiative.”

Through combining personalised job and health support within local communities, WorkWell builds on the success of Greater Manchester’s flagship Working Well programme, which has already supported over 80,000 residents and helped nearly 30,000 people into employment.

Greater Manchester’s Live Well Plan has also been awarded a £10 million funding boost to tackle inequalities, improve health, and support people in returning to work. This investment is part of the city-region’s ongoing commitment to helping those facing employment barriers due to health challenges. Funded through the “Get Britain Working White Paper”, the boost will build on initiatives like WorkWell, offering tailored support to individuals with health-related barriers to employment.

Mayor Burnham added,

“The extra £10 million funding for Live Well, as part of the ‘Get Britain Working White Paper’ initiative, highlights our commitment to making Greater Manchester a city-region where everyone has access to the support needed to lead healthier lives and succeed in the workplace. This investment will have a real impact for those facing health challenges”.

WorkWell is available to anyone aged 16 or older, who is eligible to work in the UK. The scheme is open to self-referrals or referrals via GPs and pharmacists, employers, or community organisations, with further information available via local councils or the GMCA website.