BIRMINGHAM and Solihull is set to trial a new government project designed to get people with health conditions going back to work.
The WorkWell programme has been launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and is due to be rolled out in October.
But first the £64million project will be piloted in 15 areas across the country including Coventry and Warwickshire, Greater Manchester and North Central London.
The government says it wants to connect 59,000 people nationally with local support services, including physiotherapy and counselling, so they can get the “tailored help they need” to stay in or return to work.
This includes anyone with a health condition or disability, including mental health conditions.
It comes after the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced welfare reforms including a review of fit notes to consider how to relieve pressure on GPs and deliver personalised work and health plans that prevent people from falling out of work and onto long-term sickness benefits.
It is a voluntary service, so people will be able to self-refer, or may be referred to WorkWell through their GP, employer or the community sector.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride MP, said: “Too many today are falling out of work in a spiral of sickness that harms their finances, their prospects and ultimately their health, where with the right workplace adjustments and help, this needn’t be the case.
“And so we have designed WorkWell, a groundbreaking new service, that will for the first time integrate health and work advice at the local level, as part of our plan to stem the flow into economic inactivity, grow the economy, and change lives for the better.”
Residents do not need to be claiming any Government benefits and will receive personalised support from a Work and Health Coach to understand their current health and social barriers to work and draw up a plan to help them overcome them.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins MP, said: “Too often, people with disabilities or poor health fall out of work with no support.
“We have a plan to change that and improve lives so everyone has the opportunity to find fulfilling work. This service will help tens of thousands of people, who will receive joined-up work and health support, tailored to their individual needs.”
