Overview of WorkWell

Connected Voice are co-ordinating the VCSE role in WorkWell for Gateshead and Newcastle. WorkWell is a key part of the government’s ambition to join up employment and health support.  We are excited to work with local statutory and VCSE partners as one of the pilot areas for this new programme. For more information on the programme, please see WorkWell Programme | North East and North Cumbria NHS.  

Our pilot recognises that there is a cost to the VCSE in providing support, and includes a fund for microgrants to help VCSE organisations to address individual needs. We know that physical and mental wellbeing are enhanced by staying in employment if barriers to this are addressed.  

WorkWell is open to people who are in employment but are currently on sick leave with mental health, musculo-skeletal or menopause issues.

Through social prescribing and other initiatives, we know that health is affected by many things and not all are due to the symptoms of a condition or illness. Factors such as debt, housing, loneliness, family issues etc can all be a tipping point in whether people can function at work or not. 

We want to establish a bank of VCSE initiatives/support that can be offered to individuals or small groups of people who want support to return to work. Existing services such as Talking Therapies and Physiotherapy will be available for medical needs,  so the bank of services we establish is for those issues that are outside of a clinical role. 

If you are interested in offering a service for our ‘bank’ please complete the Expression of Interest. If you want to discuss your idea first, please email Alliance@connectedvoice.org.uk with Workwell in the subject line.