WorkWell in Durham is provided by Durham County Council's Employability Service. Please speak with your GP about how a WorkWell coach could help you.
NHS WorkWell service
Helping you stay well and working...
Sometimes health problems like stress, back pain or long-term conditions make it hard to stay in work or return to work.
If you are finding this difficult, an NHS WorkWell coach may be able to help you.
To get started, speak to your GP or another healthcare professional. They can refer you to a WorkWell coach.
A WorkWell coach will listen to you, help you to make a plan, and put you in touch with services that can help. This could include:
- Support from other health services, such as pain or mental health teams
- Advice on benefits, money and housing
- Help with talking to your employer or making changes at work
- Links to local groups and community activities
You do not have to manage alone – support is available.
WorkWell services are provided for the NHS by local organisations. Select your area to find out about support where you live.
You can also find out more from the Frequently Asked Questions below.
This service is being delivered across general practice in partnership with other NHS and community and voluntary organisations. Please speak with your GP about how a WorkWell coach can help you.
This service is being delivered across general practice in partnership with other NHS and community and voluntary organisations. Please speak with your GP about how a WorkWell coach can help you.
WorkWell in North Cumbria is delivered by Cumbria Health in partnership with a range of other voluntary and community organisations. You can contact the service yourself, or you can be referred by your GP. Find more information at the Cumbria Health website.
WorkWell in North Tyneside is provided by Employment and Skills North Tyneside. Please speak with your GP to find out how a WorkWell coach could help you. Find out more about the Working Well service.
WorkWell in Northumberland is provided by Northumberland County Council. Please speak with your GP to find out how a WorkWell coach could help you. Find out more about the Work Smart, Live Well service.
WorkWell in South Tyneside is provided by First Contact Clinical. Please speak with your GP to find out how a WorkWell coach could help you. Find out more about the NHS WorkWell coaching service in South Tyneside.
WorkWell in Sunderland is provided by Sunderland GP Alliance. Please speak with your GP to find out how a WorkWell coach could help you. Find out more about the NHS WorkWell coaching service in Sunderland.
WorkWell in Tees Valley is being led by Hartlepool Borough Council in collaboration with Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, and Darlington Council's as part of their established employment hubs. For more information visit this website: WorkWell Programme | Hartlepool Borough Council
FAQs
If I'm invited to see a WorkWell advisor, do I have to take part?
No. It's completely up to you – but lots of people have found this type of service very helpful.
Will it count against me if I say no?
No. Saying no won’t affect you in any way. If you change your mind, you can talk to your GP or practice team about being referred again.
No. WorkWell is separate from the benefits system, and does not affect your benefits. Any information you share will not be passed on to other services unless you agree.
Will my information be shared with other services?
If you decide to get support from a WorkWell advisor, your information will be stored securely on WorkWell's system. It will only be shared with other support services if you agree to this as part of your plan. Some information (with names and identifying details removed) may be used to improve the service, but this won’t affect you or your benefits.
Will they see my medical notes?
No. WorkWell will not have access to your medical records. Notes from your conversations with your advisor will be stored securely on a separate system. With your agreement, they will give a general update to your GP so they know you are getting support.
You can still use WorkWell if you are in a job. WorkWell is for people:
- In work and struggling
- Off sick
- Or out of work
Support can include help with:
- Talking to your employer
- Making changes at work that help you stay well
- Mental health and long-term health conditions
Is it only for certain health problems?
No. WorkWell supports people with lots of different needs, including:
- Mental health
- Long-term or ongoing conditions
- Pain or mobility issues
- Women’s health
- Neurodiversity
- Caring or family pressures
These are just examples. Your WorkWell advisor will talk to you and come up with a personalised plan that suits you best.
How long can I get support for?
WorkWell support is not time-limited. Your advisor can support you for as long as you need, at a pace that works for you.
WorkWell services are provided for the NHS by local organisations, and most GP practices in the region are participating. The section above will tell you who to contact for support in your area.
Yes, your data is safe. A data protection impact assessment has been completed and approved. This means we’ve carefully reviewed how your personal information is collected, stored, and used, and have put in place the necessary safeguards to keep it secure.