1 Overview
WorkWell is a free one-to-one coaching service that helps residents with health issues or disabilities to start, stay in, or return to work.
Your WorkWell coach will help you to understand what's getting in the way and create a personalised support plan based on your needs.
Whether you're finding work difficult because of your health, worried about taking time off, or looking to return after a period of sickness, we're here to help.
Together, we'll help you stay in work, return to work, and get back on track.
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 a disability or health condition that is affecting your ability to work
- are in work and finding it difficult because of your health
- are worried you may have to leave work because of ill health
- have recently left work because of a health condition
- need support to return to work after sickness or absence
- want short term support to stay in work, return to work or start work
To get the most from WorkWell, you need to be ready to take part in the sessions and work with your coach throughout the programme.
You do not need a medical diagnosis to access support. However, your health or wellbeing must be affecting your ability to work or stay in work.
3 What does WorkWell offer?
A WorkWell coach can support you for up to 12 weeks.
Your coach will take time to understand your needs and help you find practical solutions that work for you.
Support may include:
- a personalised support plan to help you stay in work, return to work, or prevent time off because of illness or disability
- one-to-one coaching
- help to talk to your employer about changes that could support you at work
- support to plan your return to work
- advice on managing your health at work
- information about local wellbeing, mental health and physical health services
- links to community support, including fitness activities, money advice and housing support
- joined-up support through West Sussex County Council and partner organisations
- support from specialist employment and skills advisers to help you explore new career opportunities in your local area
All support is confidential and focused on your goals. Your coach will help you explore your options and connect you with the right services and opportunities in your local area.
WorkWell is not a clinical service. If you need clinical or specialist support, your coach can help you access the right service.
WorkWell provides early support to help you make changes quickly, stay in work and avoid bigger problems later.
4 How WorkWell works
Getting support is simple.
Step 1: Register - You can refer yourself or be referred by somebody else.
Step 2: Get started - We'll contact you to arrange your first session with a WorkWell coach and learn more about your situation.
Step 3: Create your personalised plan - Together, you will agree a personal plan based on your needs.
Step 4: Ongoing support provided - Your coach will support you for up to 12 weeks and help you access other support if needed.
If helpful, your coach can work with other professionals involved in your support so that everyone is working together.
5 How to access WorkWell
Referrals to WorkWell can come from:
- self referral
- your employer
- your GP or another primary care professional
- local voluntary or community organisations
- other local services, such as Jobcentre Plus, social care or wellbeing teams
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 levels of need.
WorkWell offers short-term support for people who are working or who have recently left work because of a health or wellbeing issue.
A coach will work with you to identify and manage any health-related barriers that affect your ability to stay in work or return to work. The support takes a whole-person approach and usually lasts between 6 and 12 weeks.
Connect to Work offers longer-term support helping people living with disabilities, individuals with ongoing health conditions and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The service helps you find and stay in work that suits your needs through specialist support from employment advisors. Support is structured and ongoing, with help tailored to your individual needs.
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 that require more intensive support.
Connect to Work is best for people who need structured, long term job coaching or specialist employer support to find and sustain 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 or wellbeing issue
- may have to leave work, or have recently left work because of ill health
- would benefit from short-term, early support linked to their health
WorkWell works closely with GPs, primary care, social care teams, Jobcentre Plus, voluntary and community organisations and other local services.
8 Contact us
If you have any questions, or would like to find out whether WorkWell is right for you, contact the team at workwell@westsussex.gov.uk.