Published on: 28 January 2026
A new employment programme that's funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and delivered locally by NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire has helped get of almost 200 people back into work across the two counties since it's summer launch in 2025.
The success of the initiative has prompted the Government to roll it out across the whole country.
The WorkWell programme offers expert coaching to those who are unemployed or employed but off with long term illness. They then work with the individuals to build a bespoke plan that will remove the barriers to either finding or returning to work.
Through WorkWell, people can access local clinical and non-clinical support, such as mental health services, physiotherapy, and even financial advice. In addition, the programme also offers practical support for employers including guidance to reasonable adjustments and workplace wellbeing strategies.
So far across Herefordshire and Worcestershire over 750 have been supported by the programme, with 59 have starting a new job and 134 empowered to go back to work.
The success of the pilot in Herefordshire and Worcestershire (as well as 14 other areas in England) means that WorkWell is now being rolled out across the whole country.
Judy Gibbs, Joint programme director across the two counties said: “We have 15 Work and Health Coaches across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to help individuals stay in work, return to work, and manage their health effectively.
“It’s a great programme and we encourage anyone with work related health issues to refer themselves to the programme. Our coaches can help get them back on track.
“In addition, we are really keen to support and encourage employers to refer into the programme.
“Across the two counties an average of 12,000 fit notes are issued per month and WorkWell can support these people back into work by managing their health around work and support employers with tackling high levels of absenteeism too.
People can refer themselves directly into WorkWell but equally, people can be referred by their GP, Jobcentre Plus, and their employers.
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For more information and to make a referral WorkWell :: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System
For more information about NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB please visit https://herefordshireandworcestershire.icb.nhs.uk
For more information about the national WorkWell Programme please visit Expansion of support scheme to help thousands of people back into work - GOV.UK
For further information please contact: Hw.
