A new programme which supports people with mental or physical health problems to stay in work has been launched in Plymouth.
Livewell Southwest has joined forces with disability employment specialist Pluss to deliver WorkFit Plymouth, a free service which provides one-to-one support to employees who feel their ongoing illness or condition could be about to affect their ability to carry on working.
The service, a 12-month pilot, launched at an event on 12 February at Boringdon Park Golf Club, where more than 70 guests including local businesses, enjoyed presentations on Livewell Southwest’s Wellbeing at Work service, including a new workplace awards scheme and the WorkFit scheme.
Alison Rowntree, who leads the programme, said: “WorkFit enables employees who may have anxiety
or stress issues, or physical problems like a bad back, to refer themselves for 16 weeks of one-to-one support designed to help them manage their situation so they can carry on working and avoid the consequence of losing their job through ill health.
“There’s an initial meeting with a coach who can explore the causes of the problem and signpost to other services and help. It could be that someone is struggling at work because of stress at home, whether that’s relationship or financial issues, or their physical problem is being made worse by the work they do.
“Our expert practitioners will work alongside employees for 16 weeks and support people to develop their resilience.
“Employers can also be offered support to improve their overall approach to workplace health.”
Livewell and Pluss won the contract to pilot the scheme after applying to the Work and Health Challenge Fund, which aims to test potential solutions to help people with disabilities and health conditions to remain in work.
WorkFit is available to any employee or employer within the Plymouth area or any individual registered
with a Plymouth GP. For more information call 01752 437177 or email: [email protected]
Visit the Wellbeing at Work website: www.wellbeingatworksouthwest.co.uk
