WorkWell delivery partners highlight community impact at meeting with Employment Minister
Leaders from three Black Country voluntary and community sector organisations met with Employment Minister Dame Diana Johnson to highlight how local partnerships are helping people overcome health and social barriers to work including through the WorkWell programme.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to demonstrate how community-led, place-based approaches are making a tangible difference for residents across the region. As delivery partners on WorkWell, the organisations are supporting people who face health-related challenges to move closer to employment, remain in work, and improve their wellbeing.
Representing the sector at the meeting were Josie Kelly, Chief Executive Officer for Access 2 Business, alongside Sue from Manor Farm Community Centre and Steve from Refugee and Migrant Centre. Together, they shared examples of how voluntary sector organisations are uniquely placed to provide trusted, personalised support within local communities.
WorkWell, led by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, brings together the NHS, local authorities and voluntary sector partners to help residents whose health is affecting their ability to work. Through tailored support from Work and Health Coaches, the programme helps people identify goals, access services, and take practical steps toward sustainable employment.
The organisations attending the meeting discussed how this collaborative model is enabling partners to address barriers such as mental health challenges, long-term health conditions, language barriers and confidence in returning to work. By connecting health, employment and community services, WorkWell ensures residents receive holistic support that reflects the realities of their lives.
The discussion also highlighted the vital role of the voluntary sector in reaching people who may not traditionally engage with employment services, including refugees, migrants and individuals experiencing complex health or social challenges.
Josie Kelly, Chief Executive Officer for Access 2 Business, said: “It was a privilege to share how local partnerships like WorkWell are making a real difference in helping people overcome barriers and move towards sustainable employment.”
Dale Stewart, WorkWell Learning and Change Manager, added: “WorkWell is built on partnership. By bringing together the NHS, local authorities and trusted community and voluntary organisations, we can provide tailored support that helps people improve their health, build confidence and take positive steps towards work.”
Partners welcomed the opportunity to share the impact of their collective work and to reinforce the importance of continued collaboration between government, health services and community organisations.
With WorkWell continuing to expand its reach across the region, partners are committed to strengthening these partnerships and building on the programme’s success - ensuring more residents across the West Midlands can access the support they need to start, stay and succeed in work.
