Summary
Primary care can help patients with health issues access support to stay in or return to work.
Primary care providers can support people who are out of work or struggling to stay in work due to health-related issues, by referring them to the new WorkWell initiative.
Referrals into the scheme can come via healthcare professionals, employers, councils or community organisations. Alternatively, an individual can refer themselves if they are aged 16 or over and eligible to work in the UK, including self-employed. They must be registered with a GP or JobCentre Plus within Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester has been awarded £7 million of Government funding to run the pilot until March 2026 as part of its Live Well programme.
Seen as a life-changing opportunity for around 8,000 residents, WorkWell offers tailored support to those struggling to stay in work, or return to work, due to poor health or disabilities.
The service matches individuals with a dedicated work and health coach, who can help people access physical and mental health support, such as physiotherapy, talking therapies, and lifestyle advice, with the aim of helping them to stay well and prevent their health needs from getting worse.
Coaches can also support people to build their skills, find suitable job opportunities, provide help with their CV and interview preparation.
Delivered in partnership with NHS Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, local councils, health organisations and community groups, each GM locality has its own dedicated WorkWell service.
Health providers and individuals should use the following contact information for each locality:
- Bolton – Visit: WorkWell Bolton – Let’s Keep Bolton Moving | Email GetBoltonWorking@bolton.gov.uk | Call 01204 338981
- Bury – Visit Bury Works | WorkWell Programme – Bury Council | Email buryworksworkwell@bury.gov.uk
- Manchester – Visit: WorkWell Manchester | WorkWell Manchester | Manchester City Council | Email work.skills.admin@manchester.gov.uk
- Oldham – Email: getoldhamworking@oldham.gov.uk | Call 0161 770 4674 (Please mention “Vanguard WorkWell” when calling, to ensure your enquiry is directed appropriately)
- Rochdale – Email: jobsandskills@rochdale.gov.uk | Call 01706 926657.
- Salford – Visit: WorkWell programme•Salford City Council | Email: workwellsalford@salford.gov.uk | Call 0800 952 1000 (Option 2)
- Stockport – Email: workandskills@stockport.gov.uk | Call 07890 527111
- Tameside – Visit: WorkWell – Tameside MBC | Email: WorkWell@tameside.gov.uk | Call 0161 342 3111.
- Trafford – Work Well Trafford | Trafford Community Hubs | Email workwell@hopecentrepartington.com
- Wigan – Email: WorkWell@wigan.gov.uk
If you would like to discuss more opportunities about partnership working with your local WorkWell lead, you can email nhsgm.workwellpartnership@nhs.net
You can read more about WorkWell in the GM stakeholder briefing.
