1 Overview
WorkWell is a free short-term service that helps people stay in work when a physical or mental health condition affects their ability to work.
The service is available to West Sussex residents who:
- are in work
- are at risk of leaving work because of a health condition
- have recently left work because of a health condition
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 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. 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
- links to wider community support, such as fitness programmes, money advice or housing support
- light-touch employment support, such as preparing for work, exploring career goals or updating your CV
- joined up support through West Sussex County Council and partner organisations
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. It helps you make changes quickly so you can stay in work and avoid bigger problems later.
4 How WorkWell works
WorkWell follows a simple, supportive journey. These are:
- referral and eligibility check - we receive your referral and make sure WorkWell is the right service for you
- work and health assessment - you meet your WorkWell coach to talk through your health, work situation and goals
- your personalised plan - together, you create a work and health plan that sets out the support you’ll receive
- short term coaching and support - your coach works with you for up to 12 weeks, offering practical help, progress reviews and access to wider support if needed.
If needed, your coach can work with other professionals, including health professionals, to make sure everyone involved in your support works 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 for disabled people, people with health conditions, and people who face more complex barriers to employment.
The service helps you find work and stay in work through specialist support based on the Supported Employment model. 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.