Finding and remaining in employment when you have a disability, or a health condition can be a particular challenge for many people. Tailored support is available and below we have summarised the main types.
For More Support
Cornwall People Hub, offer free and confidential information, advice and support to individuals looking to get back into work, employment, and training, as well as linking people with support for mental health and disabilities.
Disability Cornwall provide an independent, confidential and free information and advice service to people living with a long term health condition or disability, Information and Advice - DIAL - Disability Information Advice Line (disabilitycornwall.org.uk)
Welcome to WorkWell
Is your mental or physical health making it tough for you to go to work, or return to work? WorkWell is here to help.
What is WorkWell?
It’s a support service. Free, friendly, confidential help for people finding work difficult due to their health.
WorkWell coaches offer personalised advice, easy-going conversations with someone who can help you stay in or get back to work.
Coach Emma Wooderson says: “For some that might look like confidence building tips, for others it might be ideas for ways to talk to your employer about making adjustments at work.
“You can either be referred to coach by someone you know, like a GP, or you can ask to connect with a WorkWell coach yourself.”
How WorkWell can help?
WorkWell can help in lots of different ways, depending on the support you need.
Coaches will work with you to create a personalised 1-2-1 plan, which can include help with…
- Boosting your confidence at work
- Help with CV writing, equipment, job searching and preparing for interviews
- Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
- Women’s health conditions (e.g. menopause, endometriosis)
- Long-term conditions like diabetes or epilepsy, plus many more
- Advice on talking to your employer about adjustments at work
WorkWell mental health app
The WorkWell app providing mental healthcare at your fingertips is available for people living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The app, developed by a team of experts in psychology, technology and consumer experience at Cerina, offers access to 6 digital cognitive behaviour therapy sessions to guide users through advice and tips on improving their mental health. Users can track their progress, update how they’re feeling and see how far they have come.
They can also connect with a WorkWell coach at the touch of a button, who will offer personalised 1-2-1 support and advice on staying in or returning to work.
The app can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play.
How WorkWell can help employers?
By supporting your employees with their wellbeing, you can maintain a productive, healthy, happier team.
You can refer an employee (with their consent) to a WorkWell coach, or why not encourage them to contact a coach themselves?
Whatever the size of your business, WorkWell can offer free advice and support to your employees to help them overcome health barriers to work.
Employer Champions
Employers who demonstrate a real commitment to staff wellbeing can become WorkWell Employer Champions, recognised leaders in creating supportive workplaces.
Becoming a Champion means joining a growing network of organisations that understand that wellbeing and success go hand in hand.
In recognition of your commitment, WorkWell will highlight your organisation as a leading example of good practice.
Who can use WorkWell?
You must meet certain criteria to get help from a coach. WorkWell is for you if
- You’re over 16 years old and have the right to work in the UK
- You have a Cornwall or Isles of Scilly address for either your home, GP, or your local job centre
- You’re in work but struggling due to a health issue or disability
- You’ve recently been on sick leave or out of work due to your health
Feedback shows that 96% of WorkWell users were either satisfied or very satisfied with the support they received.
Daniel Stuart has used WorkWell and says: “The coaches were really helpful, they gave me ideas of where I wanted to go and what I could do. It helps with mental health and helping you get back into work. They’ve invested in me and now I can invest in myself.”
Who runs and funds WorkWell?
WorkWell is funded by UK Government and led by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. It is delivered by the Community Gateway, a Parliamentary Excellence in Healthcare award-winning partnership of local voluntary and community organisations which provide WorkWell coaching and support.
Welcome to WorkWell
