WorkWell Funding Continues in North London for National Roll-Out

Key Points

• WorkWell, an NHS scheme piloted in north London to help people with health conditions or disabilities get jobs, stay in work, or return after illness, will be rolled out nationally with continued local funding.
• The scheme will keep running in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington as part of the national expansion.
• Launched in October 2024 as a voluntary programme, WorkWell has already supported more than 2,800 people across North Central London.
• Delivered through a partnership including NHS trusts, GPs, local councils, Jobcentre Plus, and employment charity The Shaw Trust.
• Participants are paired with a Work and Health coach to create a personalised plan; referrals come from GPs, Jobcentre Plus, or self-referral.
• Open to anyone aged 16 or over, regardless of benefit status, whose ability to work is affected by health conditions or disabilities.
• Julie, a participant who lost her job after a miscarriage, credited her Work and Health coach for swift therapy referral, leading to significant improvements in her health and wellbeing.
• Jay, another participant who struggled post-university and later suffered a stroke, said WorkWell helped him balance reality and ambition to achieve personal goals.
• Sarah Morgan, chief people officer at North Central London Integrated Care Board, welcomed the news, highlighting how the North London pilot demonstrated the impact of integrating health and employment services.
• Chris Luck, chief executive of The Shaw Trust, welcomed the national expansion and anticipated its future impact.

North Central London, WorkWell (North London News) January 26, 2026 – An innovative NHS employment support scheme piloted successfully in north London will continue receiving local funding as it rolls out nationwide, offering vital help to thousands with health conditions or disabilities seeking work or workplace stability.​

The voluntary WorkWell programme, which pairs individuals with dedicated Work and Health coaches for personalised plans, has proven its worth since its October 2024 launch, supporting over 2,800 people across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington. Referrals can come from GPs, Jobcentre Plus, or self-initiated, making it accessible to anyone aged 16 or over, irrespective of benefits status, whose work ability is impacted by health issues. This national expansion secures its future in these boroughs while extending its reach across the UK.

What is WorkWell and Who Does It Help?

WorkWell is a health and employment support service designed specifically to assist people with health conditions or disabilities. It aims to help them stay in work, return after illness or absence, or transition into new employment opportunities. As outlined in official programme details, participants receive tailored support through one-on-one coaching to address barriers at the intersection of health and employment.

The service operates via a collaborative partnership model, involving NHS trusts, general practitioners (GPs), local councils, Jobcentre Plus, and The Shaw Trust, an employment charity with expertise in supporting vulnerable individuals. This multi-agency approach ensures comprehensive care, from medical referrals to job placement assistance. Eligibility is broad: open to those 16 and older facing work limitations due to health or disability, with no benefit restrictions applying.

Since its pilot inception in October 2024, the scheme has demonstrated tangible results in North Central London, underpinning the government’s decision for national roll-out with sustained local investment.

How Does the Referral and Support Process Work?

Participants in WorkWell are matched with a personal Work and Health coach who develops an individualised action plan. Referrals are straightforward, accepted from GPs during routine appointments, Jobcentre Plus advisors, or directly by those seeking help themselves. This flexibility removes common hurdles, allowing swift access to support.

The coach’s role is pivotal, offering ongoing guidance on health management, workplace adjustments, and career progression. For instance, therapy referrals, confidence-building exercises, and practical job search aid form core elements of the plans. This structured yet personalised method has been hailed for breaking down silos between health and employment services.

The continuation of funding ensures this process remains available in north London boroughs, now integrated into the broader national framework.

What Have Participants Said About Their Experiences?

Real-life stories from WorkWell users underscore its transformative potential. Julie, who lost her job following a miscarriage, shared a powerful testimonial:

“My work and health coach referred me to therapy and, thanks to her swift action, I am now feeling significantly better. Her support has made a significant difference in my life and in my journey toward better health and wellbeing.”

Similarly, Jay, who faced unemployment after university and later endured a stroke, described the programme’s impact:

“WorkWell has helped me to manage a balance between reality and ambition going forward on how to achieve my personal goals and success.”

These accounts, drawn directly from participant feedback, illustrate how targeted coaching fosters recovery and aspiration.

Such testimonials have been instrumental in evidencing the scheme’s efficacy during its pilot phase.

Why is North London Leadership Celebrating the Announcement?

Sarah Morgan, chief people officer at North Central London Integrated Care Board, expressed strong enthusiasm for the funding decision. As reported in coverage of the announcement, she stated:

“We are delighted at this very welcome news. I am pleased that our programme in North London has helped evidence the power and potential impact of what can happen when we break down the barriers between health and employment services.”

Her comments reflect the pilot’s success in North Central London, where integrated services have yielded measurable outcomes for over 2,800 individuals. This local triumph positions the region as a model for the national programme, justifying continued investment.

The Integrated Care Board’s role in coordinating NHS efforts across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington has been central to WorkWell’s delivery.

What Role Does The Shaw Trust Play in Delivery?

The Shaw Trust, a key partner, brings specialised employment support to the partnership. Chris Luck, chief executive of The Shaw Trust, welcomed the development:

“We welcome the expansion of the service to support people nationwide, and look forward to seeing its future impact.”

Luck’s statement highlights the charity’s commitment to scaling up operations. With expertise in aiding those furthest from the job market, The Shaw Trust complements NHS and council inputs, ensuring holistic support. Their involvement strengthens WorkWell’s credibility and reach.

Which North London Boroughs Benefit from Continued Funding?

The five boroughs—Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington—will maintain WorkWell services uninterrupted. This continuity avoids any service gaps during the national transition, preserving momentum from the pilot’s achievements. Local councils in these areas have partnered closely, tailoring interventions to community needs.

For residents, this means sustained access to coaches and plans without application disruptions. The decision reaffirms north London’s pioneering status in health-employment integration.

How Does This Fit into Broader NHS Employment Goals?

WorkWell aligns with wider NHS strategies to reduce economic inactivity linked to poor health. By addressing root causes through coaching, it tackles long-term sickness absences and unemployment. The pilot’s 2,800+ participants provide robust data supporting scalability.

Nationally, the roll-out promises similar outcomes, potentially aiding millions. North London’s model, blending clinical and vocational support, sets a benchmark.

What Challenges Might the National Roll-Out Face?

While the announcement is positive, scaling WorkWell nationwide requires robust resourcing. Partnerships must replicate north London’s cohesion across diverse regions. Demand could surge, necessitating more coaches and referral pathways.

Funding certainty for local elements mitigates risks in pilot areas, but monitoring will be essential to ensure equity.

Why Was October 2024 a Pivotal Launch Date?

The scheme’s October 2024 debut allowed sufficient time for evaluation, with over 2,800 supports delivered by early 2026. This timeframe enabled evidence-gathering, influencing the roll-out verdict. Voluntary uptake demonstrated genuine need and effectiveness.

What Comes Next for WorkWell Users?

Current and future participants can expect seamless continuity in north London, with national availability expanding access. Self-referrals remain an option, empowering individuals. Ongoing success stories like Julie’s and Jay’s are likely to inspire wider engagement.

This development marks a significant step in joining health and work support, with north London at its forefront.