Written by Rachael Nielsen, Strategic Lead: Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester (June 2025)

Greater Manchester has launched a £7 million WorkWell pilot to support residents facing health-related barriers to employment. Running until March 2026, this initiative aims to help 8,000 people stay in or return to work by offering tailored, holistic support. It’s part of a £64 million national programme improving health and employment outcomes. Since the service went live in October 2024, Workwell has supported over 1900 GM residents to stay in or return to work.

What is WorkWell?

WorkWell builds on the success of the GM Working Well programme, which supported over 80,000 residents, helping nearly 30,000 into jobs. This new pilot focuses on those struggling to work due to health conditions—such as anxiety, depression, or musculoskeletal problems—offering personalised support to remain employed or re-enter the workforce.

Personalised Support

Every participant is matched with a dedicated Work and Health Coach who provides tailored guidance, both online and in person, connecting them with services like:

• Health & Wellbeing Support: Access to physiotherapy, mental health services, and lifestyle advice to prevent worsening health issues.
• Skills Development: Help with CVs, cover letters, interviews, and building confidence.
• Job Opportunities: Help identifying suitable roles, flexible work options, and referrals to local support networks.

Part of the Live Well Mission

WorkWell is a key part of Greater Manchester’s Live Well programme, which addresses health, social, and economic inequalities by ensuring residents can access the resources needed to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

A Call to Employers

Sickness absence cost the UK 148.9 million lost working days in 2024. The Northwest has some of the highest rates, particularly in sectors like social care and construction.

WorkWell helps employers align with the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, especially in supporting staff health and wellbeing. Benefits include:

• Higher Productivity: Employees get the help they need to stay or return to work.
• Better Retention: Early support reduces long-term absences.
• Upskilling: Staff can grow through tailored training and development.
• Inclusive Recruitment: Businesses can tap into a wider talent pool, including those with health challenges.
• Happier Workforce: Supporting wellbeing boosts morale and engagement.

Employers can refer staff to WorkWell, integrate its resources into HR policies, and make simple adjustments to improve retention.

Who Can Access WorkWell?

WorkWell is open to Greater Manchester residents aged 16+ who are eligible to work in the UK. Access is available via self-referral or through GPs, employers, pharmacists, and community organisations. It supports people who are off sick, struggling to remain in work, or who have recently left employment, including those who are self-employed.

Real Stories of Impact

• Claire: After six months off due to mental health issues, WorkWell helped her access flexible work, travel support, and therapy. She’s now preparing to return to work.
• Craig: Living with long Covid, he received help adjusting his hours and managing caring responsibilities, improving his wellbeing and job retention.
• Pam: Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, she was unsure how to continue working. WorkWell advised on adjustments and supported her through an Access to Work application, helping her stay employed full-time.

These stories show how WorkWell transforms lives by addressing both health and employment challenges together.

Get Involved

If health issues are affecting you or your workforce, WorkWell is here to help. Visit WorkWell - Greater Manchester Combined Authority  to learn more about and contact the GM WorkWell locality services.

Take the first step toward a healthier, more secure working future today.