WorkWell launches in Barrow
22nd January 2025
A support service designed to help people with low-level health conditions to start, stay or succeed in work has been rolled out across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
WorkWell schemes have launched in local areas throughout the past three months, but the service is now available to everyone that lives in the region.
Created as part of the Government’s plan to help people with health conditions back to work, the service provides tailored help and assessment for people aged 18 and above at risk of falling out of work or for those who have had to stop working because of a health condition.
Lancashire and South Cumbria was chosen last year as one of 15 regions in England to pilot the WorkWell service, and it now operates in Barrow-in-Furness, Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Lancaster, Preston and West Lancashire – although anyone who lives in Lancashire and South Cumbria can access it.
Workforce Partnership Development and Programme Manager, Charlotte Moul said: “WorkWell is a new programme aimed at helping people with a low-level physical and/or mental health condition/s by providing support to return or stay in work. For those living in South Cumbria, it is a free service being delivered by Cumbria Health within the Barrow area.
To be eligible you will be either out-of-work for less than six months and need health-related support to return to work, or employed and absent through sickness or struggling in the workplace due to a health condition. However, the service isn’t designed for individuals with complex health needs and conditions, or those who are long-term unemployed.
“As part of the offer, individuals will have access to a work and health coach, who will offer individualised support for up to 12 weeks and help create some clear objectives that address individuals’ physical, psychological and social needs.”
“For those requiring additional support in South Cumbria, MIND in Furness, Barrow Leisure Centre and Inspira have partnered up with Cumbria Health to provide multi avenues of support”.
Charlotte Moul added: “Now that the programme has launched across the whole of Lancashire and South Cumbria, we want everyone who is eligible to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. It’s important to remember that anyone who lives in Lancashire and South Cumbria can access it.
Eligible individuals can refer themselves to the service through one of the seven districts.
To access the WorkWell Barrow service or find out more information, visit WorkWell – The Bay Anchor Network , email workwell@cumbriahealth.nhs.uk or call Cumbria Health’s lead coach on 01228 474014.
Posted by: Jessica Riley
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