A new scheme has been launched in Salford this week, and will aim to support people who are at risk of unemployment due to health conditions.
The scheme has be unveiled by Salford City Council, who have named the project the WorkWell Vanguard Pilot.
The project led by NHS Greater Manchester, will aim to support 8,000 people across Greater Manchester in a programme worth close to £7 million, and will run until 31 March 2026.
The scheme will be funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, WorkWell Greater Manchester is one of 15 Vanguard pilots nationally.
Salford’s involvement within the scheme has also proved that the city is committed to improving health and employment outcomes for its residents.
The programme’s main objective will be to create individual assessments for its participants, providing a more focused action plan that is relevant to each participants’ needs.
The new scheme will also provide low-intensity support to those at risk of falling out of employment due to health conditions and individuals who have recently become unemployed.
Councillor Teresa Pepper, Lead Member for Skills, Work and Business Support Services, spoke of the importance of the scheme in helping provide support for those with health conditions in getting back into work.
As she said: “This is a significant step forward in our mission to provide vital support to residents who are struggling to remain in or return to work due to health challenges.
“The WorkWell Vanguard pilot is not just about helping people find or keep jobs; it’s about building a legacy of co-ordinated support between work and health services, and ensuring our approach is adaptive to the needs of both residents and employers.”
Initially the Workwell Pilot aims to provide support for 760 residents, with expectations of a further 228 from 2024 to 2025, and 532 more from 2025 to 2026.
The total funding for the initiative over the 18-month period comes to £613,852, with the funding being used to provide services such as Health and Work Coaches, an additional Community Connector and an Employment and Training Advisor.
The project has been designed with the intention of integrating with pre-existing services within Salford, such as the Health Improvement Service, Salford CVS, and Wellbeing Matters.
The WorkWell scheme comes as part of Salford City Councils broader strategy that recognises employment as a key aspect which affects the health and well-being of Salford residents.
The programme intends to help those at risk of unemployment due to mental health or musculoskeletal conditions, those on health waiting lists, and those who have recently become unemployed as a result of a health condition.
More information about the new scheme can be found here, and you can check to see if you are available for the scheme here.
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