Thousands of people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will be supported to stay in, or return to, work thanks to a new programme launching this month.

The ‘WorkWell West’ scheme aims to help people who are struggling to stay in work or get back into work due to health conditions, by providing tailored support designed around the individual’s needs.

The scheme is backed by £256,408 of funding from local health and care partners including the local NHS Integrated Care Board, Sirona care & health and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

The funds will support 16 local voluntary and community organisations to provide a range of activities including group support sessions, coaching, physical rehabilitation workshops and employability training. Health and wellbeing activities including nature walks, art and craft sessions and singing are also available.

Jo Hicks, Chief People Officer for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, said:

“We’re excited to be working with these local organisations helping local people who may be facing health and social barriers stay in or return to work.
“For many people, having to leave work due to sickness can be a devastating event that affects their finances, their career and health.
“But with the right support, many could continue to work and this scheme will take a tailored approach to working with people to understand their support needs and how they can be helped.”

Sixteen grants totalling £256,408 were awarded, each organisation received between £7,000 and £30,000.

Jo Hicks added:

“In an innovative, shared approach, the funding was pooled from Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB and Bristol City Council’s WorkWell West Programme, Sirona care & health and WECA in response to needs identified by the local health and care system.
“This process, facilitated through the new VCSE Brokerage Framework, which has been co-designed by the ICB and VCSE Alliance, has enabled 16 community organisations to deliver expert and creative support designed to meet the needs of our local communities.”

WECA’s Culture West programme has supported WorkWell West with a £15,000 contribution to fund creative and cultural organisations to deliver on the pilot.

Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said:

“WorkWell West should help thousands of people to stay in their jobs or get back into employment, providing free tailored support for people who are struggling with their health conditions – including through workplace adjustments.
“Working with local councils and partners, the Department of Health & Social Care, and the Department for Work & Pensions, this innovative programme can make a real difference for people in our part of the world.”

CreativeShift is one of the organisations that has received a grant for its CreativeWorks programme, which will support 20 people who face challenges in maintaining employment.

Julie Matthews, Co-Director at CreativeShift, said:

“We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to connect our creative health work with the WorkWell West scheme.
“Though taking part in our 18-session arts programme, people will develop tools that will enable them to rebuild their working future.
“While art may not be the most obvious choice for supporting people into work, engaging with creative processes can help change the way people think about things. It can improve wellbeing and build confidence, enabling people to feel more empowered.”

The WorkWell West scheme aims to tackle health and social barriers that can lead to people leaving work or being unable to return after sickness. It helps people develop tools needed to stay at or return to work.

The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area has been chosen as one of 15 nationwide to trial the scheme.

Steve Spiers, Programme Manager for Personalised Care Sirona Care & Health, said:

“Sirona is really proud to be part of the WorkWell West programme, which plays a vital role in helping people improve their health and remain in work.
“Those referred to the programme benefit from a fantastic range of support in their community that will be further strengthened by these newly funded initiatives. WorkWell West is not only good for people’s health, but also for our local economy — it’s a win for everyone.”

Anyone who has a health condition or disability, including mental health conditions, is eligible for support through this programme of work. Individuals can refer themselves by completing the WorkWell West referral form.