How might we strengthen WorkWell to better support people navigating the connection between work and health?

Across Greater Manchester and Wigan, workshops brought together practitioners, partners and system leaders to reflect on what is working and where the service can improve. The sessions explored participant journeys, shared lived and professional insights, and identified opportunities to strengthen collaboration across the health, employment and VCSE system.

Participants highlighted the importance of creating clearer, person-centred pathways, improving communication between partners and employers, and ensuring consistent support across localities.

The work also emphasised the relational strengths of WorkWell, like prioritising trust-building conversations, tailored support and coordinated partnerships alongside pressures created by complex systems and fragmented data.

Through mapping journeys and developing design principles, the group identified priorities including stronger employer engagement, clearer referral and delivery processes, and a shared impact framework to demonstrate outcomes. This work will guide the next phase of WorkWell development, supporting more people to stay in or return to work while improving wellbeing.