Health in work support extended as new mobile offer launches across Salford

The extension of the WorkWell programme, together with a new mobile offer, will provide free and confidential health and work focused support directly within communities, benefiting residents and those who work in the city. 

The expansion of WorkWell is being delivered as part of Greater Manchester’s Integrated Single Settlement, which brings together employment, skills and health support into one co-ordinated system. This approach enables Salford City Council and its partners to offer more joined‑up, preventative support for residents who are at risk of falling out of work, or who have recently left work, because of a health condition or disability. 

Alongside this co-ordinated approach, a new WorkWell offer will launch this spring, using the council’s existing mobile unit to take advice and support directly out to communities. WorkWell will integrate with Live Well centres, community venues and have a presence at local events. This will complement support already available in neighbourhoods, making support easier to access, reducing barriers to engagement, and reaching residents in the places they already use and trust. 

WorkWell provides free, one‑to‑one health and work focused support for Salford residents aged 16 and over who are unemployed (for under two years) or currently off sick or at risk of leaving work due to poor health or disability. Support is flexible and tailored to individual needs, and can include: 

• one‑to‑one support from a dedicated Work and Health Coach to help residents to remain in work, return to work after sickness absence, or prevent burnout at work 
• advice to help residents manage physical health, mental health, or other health‑related barriers to work 
• support with workplace reasonable adjustments 
• access to local health, wellbeing, and employment support, including: 
  • musculoskeletal (MSK) assessments and treatment  
  • person-centred counselling for a range of conditions 
  • impartial careers information, advice, and guidance 
  • non-medical wellbeing support, services, and activities  
  • ongoing coaching to help people stay in, return to, or progress in work 

The programme is delivered through a partnership, including Salford City Council, Salford Employment Hub, Salford CVS, University of Salford and Northern Care Alliance. 

Since launching in October 2024, WorkWell has already supported more than 400 Salford residents, with over 70 per cent of people accessing support achieving a positive outcome. Nearly two‑thirds of participants were supported to stay in work or return to work after sickness, and satisfaction rates which have consistently been above 90 per cent. 

Feedback from residents highlights the value of the WorkWell’s integrated approach, combining employment advice with practical health and wellbeing support, helping people to rebuild confidence, improve health and move towards or stay in good work. 

One WorkWell participant, who accessed the service through the council’s Health Improvement team, said:

I received excellent support from Teresa and Sara. They were both understanding, helpful and knew who to signpost me to get support. I am in full-time employment but have been experiencing difficulties for a long period of time. I came to WorkWell to look at options and support, and I couldn't have wished for better help.” 

Another participant who accessed the service through Salford CVS, said:

I have had a great experience with WorkWell. Reece has been my lifeline. He has been fantastic and helped me through some dark days. Before accessing the service, my mental health was very poor, and I could not see a way forward for myself. My GP referred me to WorkWell. I was a bit dubious about how it could possibly help me, but I am so glad I engaged with the service.” 

Deborah, another participant, said:

Tracey from Salford Employment Hub has gone above and beyond to help me with support and advice, and I am beyond grateful for what she has done to help me, along with her colleagues. This is an excellent service provided by the Hub." 

The new mobile service will begin rolling out this month, offering drop‑in and pre‑bookable appointments at accessible community locations, with the first session taking place on Tuesday 19 May 2026 from 10am to 2pm at The Broughton Trust.

Further dates and locations will be announced over the coming months, targeting neighbourhoods where residents may face additional barriers to accessing support. 

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, said:

WorkWell is a powerful example of how integrated, place‑based support can change lives. By extending the programme and taking it out into communities through the mobile service, we are making it easier for residents to access the help they need to stay well, stay confident and stay connected to good work. This is exactly what the Integrated Single Settlement is designed to do.” 

Residents who would like to access the WorkWell service can find out more, check eligibility or make a referral on the Salford Skills and Work website. 

Employers, professionals and partners can also refer residents directly, and residents are welcome to attend mobile sessions for an informal conversation with the team.