Government funding boost to extend health support for working people

Trailblazing efforts to help people in the North East and North Cumbria tackle health problems and stay in work will be extended thanks to new Government funding of around £10 million.

The North East and North Cumbria was one of three regions selected to test new ways of helping people whose health problems are making it hard to work, through the national Health and Growth Accelerator which got underway late last year. Health and Growth Accelerators bring together work and health support for people with health conditions – aiming to stop health problems becoming work problems.

Now an additional £25 million will be shared between the North East and North Cumbria, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, to tackle conditions that most impact people’s ability to work – like cardiovascular problems, back pain and mental health. 

In the North East and North Cumbria, this will continue to support a team of 25 WorkWell advisors who offer one-to-one health and employment support in more than 300 GP practices, as well as other local services. The advisors listen, make a plan and help people get support with things like mental health, money worries, getting therapy or drug or alcohol problems.

Samantha Allen, chief executive of North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Healthy communities and economic success go hand in hand. Even at this early stage it's clear that we are making a difference, helping people to stay in work or get back to work.

"In our region, one person in five has a health condition that affects their ability to work. But a decent job and a steady income are good for our health and wellbeing, so WorkWell advisors offer practical support to help people address their concerns, feel better and stay in work."

"This is about more than statistics – it's about helping people reach their potential and supporting them when they need it most. Just today I heard about a patient in our region with a physically demanding job who had been off work with debilitating back pain and mental health.

"A WorkWell advisor was able to make a personalised plan and connect him with digital physio support and a men's health group, so he could address the problems before they got worse. 

"This funding means we can further embed our approach and help more people in the North East and North Cumbria."

The region's programme also provides extra support for musculoskeletal problems, gynaecological conditions and obesity – all common reasons for people having to leave the workforce. With one person in 18 in our region working in health and care, the programme is extending mental health, menopause and counselling support for these staff – which also helps services run better by reducing sickness rates.

In addition, the programme recently unveiled a range of digital innovations focused on musculoskeletal and women’s health support, mental health and wellbeing and wider self-management tools, helping people access the right support earlier and stay well.

Commenting on the national funding announcement, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This is what our 10 Year Health Plan is all about - an NHS that doesn't just treat illness, but helps people live fuller, healthier lives. Good work is good for your health, and we're determined to make sure the NHS plays its part in getting Britain back to work."