* A new initiative that supports people into and during work while they are managing their physical and mental health has won big at a national award in London.

The WorkWell programme, launched in December 2024, scooped the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA Award after supporting 649 people with health-related barriers to stay in work or find work, while a patient in Manchester Foundation Trust Hospitals.

One of 15 pilots running on a national level, the initiative runs as part of the wider Greater Manchester Strategy/Making Manchester Fairer action plan for improving employment prospects and the wellbeing of residents.

WorkWell Manchester is funded by UK Government and powered by the City Council with Growth Company and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust working together to support patients with their employment needs, be that staying in work, or helping people re-enter the job market.

WorkWell Manchester residents are also supported by pioneering local organisations like the Big Life Group, Alchemy Arts who work closely with Pathways and the African Caribbean Mental Health Services in collaboration with Empower Consultants.

Through this partnership, the WorkWell programme has spearheaded the success of 1,457 people living with mental and physical health conditions. 381 have been supported to stay in work while managing their health condition and 143 have been helped into secure employment. The service has also helped a further 378 people to get further longer-term employment or much needed health support.

People from ethnic minority backgrounds have been helped to advance in their careers and secure work due to targeted and specially tailored support for marginalised groups.

The programme, part of the Greater Manchester WorkWell Vanguard, will help assist 8,000 people across the Greater Manchester region in a project worth up to £7 million.

Following the award success, WorkWell has plans to continue beyond the pilot, providing support to over 3,000 Manchester residents by 2029.

WorkWell is a voluntary programme and suitable participants will be identified by providers and invited to participate. To find out more please contact work.skills.admin@manchester.gov.uk.

The WorkWell programme runs until 31st March 2027.

Councillor Hacking, Executive Member for Work, Skills and Leisure, said: "We are delighted that the innovative WorkWell service was nationally recognised as best practice. Our partnership with Manchester Foundation Trust and the Growth Company has been a great success providing the first of its kind service in the UK and giving a blue print for how employment services can support people with health conditions to stay in work or find work in a compassionate and person centred way."

Alex Howley, Operations Director at the Growth Company, said: "WorkWell shows that health and employment outcomes are closely connected. Winning the Health Solutions for Work award at the 2025 ERSA Awards is a testament to that.

"The programme's achievements in Manchester show how early intervention in healthcare settings, combined with personalised support, can play a crucial role in the provision of employment support. We look forward to working together to expand the programme in 2026.

"We're proud of the efforts of all our colleagues and partners, whose dedication and hard work make a real difference to people's lives."