WorkWell support service in Blackburn with Darwen

Blackburn with Darwen residents who are at risk of leaving work due to health conditions are set to benefit from the WorkWell support service.

WorkWell is a free service designed to support people to stay healthy and active in work. This service launched in October and is now available for residents of Blackburn with Darwen. 

Developed as part of the Government’s plan to help people with health conditions back into work, the service provides tailored health and wellbeing and employment support 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. 

Amy Greenhalgh from the Council’s Wellbeing Service said:

WorkWell is a new programme aimed at helping  people with some physical and mental health conditions by providing support to return or stay in work. 

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.

Lancashire and South Cumbria was chosen last year as one of 15 regions in England to pilot the WorkWell service.

People eligible for the support through WorkWell must either live, work or be registered with a GP in Blackburn with Darwen, and must match one of the following:

• Have been out of work for less than six months
• Need health-related support to return to work
• Employed and absent through sickness
• 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. 

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Public Health, said:

Work Well has real potential to transform the working lives of some of our residents. This free, personalised support can help people to be healthy and independent, something we all want for ourselves and our loved ones. Plus, people can refer themselves for support, without having to go through their GP.

Helping people with health conditions to get back into work, or stay in their existing employment, links to our plans to address health inequalities in the borough through growth and development.”

Amy Greenhalgh added:

Now that the programme has fully launched in Blackburn with Darwen, we want everyone who is eligible to take advantage of this big opportunity.  

Eligible individuals can refer themselves to the service through our refreshbwd website, or through their local GP. 

We also work with local employers to address some of the barriers people face in work or returning to work when they have a physical or mental condition, and I think the service will have a positive impact for local people and employers in Blackburn with Darwen.

To access WorkWell or find out more, visit www.refreshbwd.com/workwell or phone 01254 682037.