£19m health boost for working people in North East and North Cumbria

People struggling to stay in work because of health problems will get more support through an ambitious new scheme getting started this month.

The WorkWell programme will help people tackle their health problems so they can stay in work – or get back to work. That means people who are at risk of having to stop working will get extra help with things like depression and anxiety, back problems, alcohol, smoking or gynaecological issues.

The £19 million initiative was showcased at the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) on Tuesday 30 September as it starts to roll out across the region.

This pilot scheme, led by the ICB, is a partnership between the region's NHS, local councils and combined authorities, Department for Work and Pensions and voluntary and community organisations. The ICB is one of only three in the country to receive funding from the Government's Health and Growth Accelerator scheme.

ICB chief executive, Samantha Allen, said: "One person in five in our region has a health condition that affects their ability to work. We know that having a job, a steady income and feeling connected has a big impact on our health, so WorkWell advisors will offer practical support to help people address their concerns, feel better and stay in work."

A string of new services will start over the coming months, including 25 WorkWell advisors offering one-to-one support in some GP practices, health and other local services.

The advisors will listen, make a plan and connect people with support services. This could include help with getting fitter, improving mental health, tackling money worries, getting therapy or dealing with drug or alcohol problems.

Dr Neil O'Brien, chief medical officer at the ICB, said: "Doctors often see patients who need a bit more help than just medical treatment, and WorkWell will make it possible to connect them to that broader support with getting back on track. A WorkWell advisor can help you focus on the positive steps you can take, and find a way forward. At times they might help to discuss adjustments with your employer, or explore other opportunities for work."

In addition, the programme is spending £1.4 million to provide more musculoskeletal services in local communities, giving easy access to treatment and physiotherapy at an earlier stage without getting referred to a hospital.

A £430,000 investment will give more than 2,000 women quicker access to diagnosis and treatment for gynaecological conditions, which are a common reason for being unable to work. The money will be used to set up extra one-stop-shop clinics across the region and reduce waiting times for women. Research shows that 69% of women waiting for gynaecological care are unable to take part in everyday activities, including employment.

In addition, the programme will provide £2m to help people prepare better for surgery through the Waiting Well scheme, which increases the chances of a successful outcome.

A further £1.9m will extend mental health, menopause and alcohol support to the region's health and care staff. With one person in 18 working in health or care, this will reach a large number of working people as well as strengthening services through reduced sickness rates.

As the programme develops, it will also invest £800,000 in projects to tackle obesity and £1.5m in digital therapies for mental health, muscle and joint conditions.

NHS WorkWell services are being piloted and rolled out in a phased way. Services will vary from one area to another depending on local needs. Access for patients will be via referral by participating GP surgeries as well as some local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. Services – which includes WorkWell advisors - will start to go-live in some parts of the region from the end of October.