Salford City Council has launched a programme to improve local services for its residents as part of the Greater Manchester WorkWell Vanguard, a pioneering initiative designed to support individuals at risk of unemployment due to health conditions.
The programme, led by NHS Greater Manchester, and running until 31 March 2026, is the largest of its kind in the UK, aiming to assist 8,000 people across Greater Manchester in a programme worth up to £7 million.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, WorkWell Greater Manchester is one of 15 Vanguard pilots nationally, and Salford’s involvement reflects the city’s commitment to improving health and employment outcomes for its residents. The programme will provide low-intensity support to those at risk of falling out of employment due to health conditions and to individuals who have recently become unemployed. A key focus will be on creating individual assessments and action plans, ensuring tailored support for each participant.
Councillor Pepper, Lead Member for Skills, Work and Business Support Services, said: “This is a significant step forward in our mission to provide vital support to residents who are struggling to remain in or return to work due to health challenges. The WorkWell Vanguard pilot is not just about helping people find or keep jobs; it’s about building a legacy of co-ordinated support between work and health services, and ensuring our approach is adaptive to the needs of both residents and employers.”
WorkWell aims to initially support 760 residents, with an expected 228 participants in 2024 to 2025 and 532 in 2025 to 2026. Funding for the initiative, based on participant numbers and engagement, totals up to £613,852 over the 18-month period. The funding will cover a range of essential services, including Health and Work Coaches, an additional Community Connector and an Employment and Training Advisor. It also includes collaborative support from the University of Salford, social prescribing initiatives, and various local health and wellbeing services.
The programme is designed to integrate and build on the existing support structures within Salford, such as the Health Improvement Service, Salford CVS, Wellbeing Matters, specialist musculoskeletal physio support at the University of Salford and the Salford Employment Hub. By bringing together these resources, the Council aims to create a cohesive, multi-disciplinary approach that will proactively address the health and employment needs of residents. This approach includes establishing a single gateway for both residents and employers, ensuring that they can access the right support at the right time.
WorkWell will support people at risk of unemployment due to mental health or musculoskeletal conditions, those on health waiting lists, and those who have recently become unemployed as a result of a health condition.
Salford City Council’s focus on aligning work and health outcomes is part of its broader strategy to ensure that employment is recognised as a key factor in improving overall health and wellbeing. The WorkWell Vanguard pilot is a critical element of this strategy, positioning work as a vital component of social prescribing and public health.
To access more information about WorkWell including eligibility, please visit www.salford.gov.uk/workwell, email workwellsalford@salford.gov.uk or telephone 0800 952 1000 (Option 2).
