Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust had the honour of hosting Sir Peter Schofield KCB, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), at Trust Headquarters in Wolverhampton to discuss the WorkWell programme.
The Black Country is one of just 15 places around the country chosen as a pilot area for the WorkWell scheme which will provide early intervention to people who are experiencing barriers to gain or retain employment due to health conditions or disabilities.
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT) are leading the development, bringing together partner organisations across the system to provide knowledge and shared learning to develop the service, as well as opportunities to provide holistic and personalised support to individuals to help them achieve their goals.
During the visit, BCHFT highlighted the positive impact that WorkWell and Thrive into Work programs are having on Black Country communities, with participants sharing their personal success stories directly with the Permanent Secretary.
Vicky Harris, Employment and Recovery Operational Manager and WorkWell Programme Lead, stated: “We are thrilled to lead the WorkWell initiative. Together with our partners across the region, we share a deep commitment to building effective health and employment pathways that empower individuals in the Black Country to find or keep jobs, regardless of health challenges or disabilities.
"Unemployment significantly impacts health and widens health inequalities within our communities. By taking an integrated approach to health and employment, we aim to break down the barriers preventing people from accessing and sustaining meaningful work. We look forward to collaborating with our partners to bring the best outcomes to our communities in the Black Country.”
BCHFT has a strong record of delivering successful employment and health schemes. The Thrive into Work service, which helps people with mental and physical health needs find and retain work, last year supported 867 people who accessed this service towards this goal. Meanwhile, the IPS Employment Service which helps people who are receiving secondary mental health care to gain and retain work, helped 1106 people who accessed this service.
