WorkWell Norfolk

Supporting healthier working lives in Norfolk

Action Community Enterprises (ACE) is proud to be working in partnership with Future Projects and a range of health and community organisations to deliver WorkWell Norfolk, a new NHS-funded service designed to help people stay in work, return to work, and improve their health and wellbeing. Many people experience a point where a physical health condition, disability or mental health challenge begins to affect their working life. Without the right support, a short-term issue can become a longer period of sickness absence, job loss or economic inactivity. WorkWell has been developed to provide early support before that happens.

What is WorkWell?

WorkWell is a countywide work and health programme commissioned by NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board. It is designed to support people aged 16 and over whose health or disability is affecting their ability to stay in work, return following sickness absence, or move back towards suitable employment.
The programme recognises that good work can have a positive impact on physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence and quality of life. WorkWell brings together health, employment and community support, helping people access the right help at the right time through a coordinated plan tailored to their individual circumstances.

Who can benefit?

WorkWell may be suitable for people who:
  • Are concerned that a health condition is affecting their ability to stay in work.
  • Are currently off work due to illness or injury and need support to return.
  • Have recently left employment because of a health condition and would like help moving back towards work.
  • Need support understanding workplace adjustments, reasonable adjustments or conversations with their employer.
  • Are facing wider barriers affecting work, such as confidence, wellbeing, caring responsibilities, finances, housing or access to local support services.
The programme is not limited to specific medical conditions. Support is available for people experiencing mental health challenges, musculoskeletal conditions, long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, disability, chronic pain, fatigue and other health-related barriers to employment.

ACE’s role in WorkWell, covering Great Yarmouth, Broadland and South Norfolk

ACE is the local delivery partner for Great Yarmouth, Broadland and South Norfolk. Working closely with Future Projects and other specialist partners, we will provide personalised, community-based support to local residents across our areas.
Our local team will include dedicated Health and Work Coaches and Team Leaders who will work one-to-one with participants to:
  • Understand the challenges affecting their health and employment.
  • Develop a personalised action plan based on their goals and circumstances.
  • Identify practical solutions to help them stay in work or return to work.
  • Connect them with relevant health, wellbeing, skills, community and employment services.
  • Support positive conversations with employers where appropriate and with the participant’s consent.
  • Coordinate support from specialist partners when additional expertise is needed.
We will build on ACE’s strong local relationships with employers, health services, education providers, community groups and voluntary sector organisations to ensure people can access joined-up, locally delivered support.

A personalised, local approach

Every participant will have a named Health and Work Coach who will act as their main point of contact throughout their journey. Together, they will explore the person’s health, work situation, strengths, goals and any barriers that may be affecting sustainable employment. Support is designed around the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all process.
Where additional support is needed, WorkWell can draw on specialist expertise relating to mental health, musculoskeletal conditions, disability, accessibility, neurodiversity and workplace adjustments, ensuring people receive coordinated support that reflects their individual needs.

Working together for better outcomes

WorkWell Norfolk is delivered through a partnership of organisations with expertise in health, employment and community support. ACE works alongside Future Projects, also involved in delivery are Norfolk Primary Care CIC, East Coast Community Healthcare CIC, Rippleacts and Equal Lives to provide a coordinated service for Norfolk residents.

Coming Soon

WorkWell Norfolk will be launching soon across Norfolk.
Further information about eligibility, referral routes and how to access support will be published as soon as arrangements are finalised.
Watch this space for updates and opportunities to access this new NHS-funded service.