1 Overview
WorkWell is a free service that offers short-term support if a health or wellbeing issue is affecting your work. It is available to people in West Sussex who are in work or have recently left work.
WorkWell helps you understand your health needs, build your confidence and make practical changes. The support can help you stay in work, return to work safely or reduce the risk of leaving your job because of ill health.
2 Who can use WorkWell?
WorkWell may be right for you if you:
- are aged 16 or over
- live in West Sussex or are registered with a West Sussex GP
- have the right to work in the UK
- have a National Insurance number
- are in work and finding it difficult because of a health or wellbeing issue
- are worried you may have to leave work because of ill health
- have recently left work because of a health problem
- want short-term support to stay in work or return to work
WorkWell is a voluntary service. You do not need a medical diagnosis to get support.
3 What does WorkWell offer?
A WorkWell coach can support you for up to 12 weeks. They will help you understand your needs and find ways to make work easier.
Support may include:
- a work and health assessment
- a personal 12-week plan
- regular 1-to-1 coaching
- help talking to your employer about changes that could support you
- support to plan your return to work
- advice on managing symptoms at work
- information about local wellbeing, mental health and physical health services
- joined-up support through West Sussex County Council Community Hubs and partner organisations
WorkWell provides early support. It helps you make changes quickly so you can stay in work and avoid bigger problems later.
4 How WorkWell works
WorkWell has 4 simple steps. We:
- Receive your referral.
- Complete a work and health assessment.
- Create your personal plan.
- Give you short-term support for up to 12 weeks.
5 How to get referred
Referrals to WorkWell can come from:
- you (self-referral)
- your employer
- a professional, such as a GP, Community Hub worker, social care worker or community organisation
If you are not sure whether WorkWell is right for you, our team can help you decide.
6 Difference between WorkWell and Connect to Work
WorkWell and Connect to Work help people with different needs.
WorkWell provides short-term support for people who are in work, or who have recently left work, because of a health or wellbeing issue. The programme lasts up to 12 weeks and focuses on practical support that can make a difference quickly.
Connect to Work provides longer-term employment support for people with more complex barriers to work, including disability and neurodiversity. It helps people find work and stay in work through ongoing support.
You may find Connect to Work a better option if you need specialist help to find work, or if you have long-term or complex needs. Find out more about Connect to Work.
7 Information for employers and professionals
Employers
WorkWell can help employers by:
- supporting staff to stay in work
- helping with conversations about workplace adjustments
- planning safe returns to work
- reducing sickness absence
- improving staff wellbeing
Employers can refer staff members with their consent.
Professionals
Professionals can refer people who:
- are in work and struggling because of a health issue
- may have to leave, or have recently left, work because of ill health
- would benefit from short-term support linked to their health
WorkWell works closely with GPs, social care teams and community organisations.
8 Contact us
If you have any questions, or would like to find out whether WorkWell is right for you, contact the team. Link and contact details TBC.