GM WorkWell Partnership Year 1 Success

Date Posted: 30/04/25

GM WorkWell Partnership Celebrates Success!

In its first year, the GM WorkWell Partnership Programme is proud to have supported over 1000 local residents who have been struggling to stay in work due to health-related challenges to start, stay and succeed in work. 

In addition, the quality of support that GM residents are receiving is high, with 86% of participant survey responses stating they were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with the support they received.

Feedback recently received:

“Before the program, I wasn't very confident after coming out of my previous job.  The lady I worked with gave me so much confidence I managed to get a job offer, more people should be referred to this program”

“I was not well and unable to function when I found the programme.  I feel as though the team put their arms around me to support me.  I'm so grateful.”

GM WorkWell is delivered in partnership by NHS Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local authorities, health organisations, and community organisations.

Greater Manchester’s £7 million WorkWell pilot is a life-changing opportunity for residents facing health barriers to employment. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Greater Manchester is one of 15 areas selected to pilot the WorkWell service, running until 31st March 2026.

How WorkWell works...

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, work and health coaches support individuals with not just health matters but addressing the wider determinants of health which may be creating barriers for the individual such as socioeconomic and environmental factors, for example, housing, debts, transport, etc.

Participants can also be supported to enhance skills, find suitable job opportunities, and create tailored CVs and cover letters, as well as being offered interview preparation and practical advice to build confidence. Work and health coaches also explore flexible work options that meet personal needs and connect individuals to local community groups for extra resources and support. 

Case Study

Claire’s story:

Claire reached out to WorkWell Bolton after being off work for over six months due to poor mental health. Claire and her family were struggling financially, and they worried about commuting costs and unreliable public transport, which added to their anxiety. WorkWell provided funding to cover travel expenses until Claire received her first full month's pay and explored flexible work options to ease her transition. The work and health coach helped Claire talk to her employer about a phased return and possible workplace adjustments, while also exploring additional support through the Government Access to Work scheme.

During this time, Claire shared that she was struggling with hoarding, which had caused her to stay at her partner’s already overcrowded home. The work and health coach researched decluttering support options and encouraged Claire to continue talking therapy. They also helped Claire get in touch with their union for workplace support, provided guidance on benefit applications ahead of upcoming pay changes, and referred them to the National Careers Service to update her CV—boosting Claire’s confidence.​

With structured support, practical advice, and referrals to the right services, WorkWell has helped Claire take steps toward returning to work and regaining stability in both her job and personal life.

Who can access WorkWell?

• WorkWell is available to anyone aged 16 or older, who is eligible to work in the UK, including those who are self-employed
• Open to self-referrals or referrals via organisations such as healthcare providers (e.g. GPs, hospitals), employers, councils or community organisations
• Available to Greater Manchester residents or anyone registered with a GP or JobCentre Plus in the area

You can find information about your local WorkWell service in Greater Manchester here.