Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is proud to officially welcome a diverse group of thirteen contracted partners for the next 12 months, as they collaborate to deliver the WorkWell initiative across the region. This milestone represents a major investment of over £1.2 million in the Black Country, aimed at supporting individuals with health conditions and disabilities to find and sustain meaningful employment.
Partners are made up of a variety of sectors including local authorities, voluntary sector providers and charities each bringing unique strengths and experience to enhance the support available through WorkWell.
The full list of partners includes Access to Business, Base 25, Beacon Centre for the Blind, Dudley Council, Ideal for All, Just Straight Talk, Manor Farm Community Association, Murray Hall Community Trust, Refugee and Migrant Centre, Sandwell Consortium CIC, Sandwell Council, Top Church Training and Walsall Works.
WorkWell aims to provide early intervention for those facing barriers to employment due to health challenges, offering personalised support through a team of trained Work and Health Coaches. These coaches will assist individuals in developing tailored plans to achieve their employment goals, leveraging the collective expertise of partner organisations.
Kuli Kaur-Wilson, Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration:
"We are incredibly excited to be leading the WorkWell scheme. Collectively, as partners across the system, we share a passion for developing integrated health and work pathways. Together, we aim to support 4,000 local people on their employment journey, providing them with the assistance needed to start, stay, or succeed in work."
Sue Evans, Charity Manager at Manor Farm Association said:
"Here in Walsall, we see first-hand how health challenges can hold people back from reaching their full potential. That’s why we're proud to be part of the WorkWell partnership—it's more than just employment support; it's about restoring confidence, independence, and hope. Together with our partners, we’re opening new doors for local residents to thrive in work and life."
Adele Smith, Programme Manager from Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council said:
"At Sandwell Council, we know that strong partnerships are essential to tackling health inequalities and improving the lives of our residents. Through initiatives like WorkWell, we’re working together to create joined-up support that helps people overcome challenges and reach their full potential. This collaboration is a vital step in building a healthier, fairer future for everyone in Sandwell and across the Black Country."
Karen Fielding, Chief Executive at Top Church Training said:
"In Dudley, we’re committed to creating opportunities that break down barriers and uplift our communities. Being part of the WorkWell initiative means we can offer real, tailored support to residents who need it most—helping them build confidence, develop skills, and find meaningful work. This is partnership in action, and we’re looking forward to being part of a initiative that is making a real difference across our borough."
Anu Singh, Chair of the NHS Black Country ICB, emphasised the broader impact of employment on health and well-being:
"It's vital that we continue to work collectively to help improve health outcomes for local people. Employment plays a significant role in determining a person's health and well-being, and through initiatives like WorkWell, we can make a meaningful difference in our communities."
The WorkWell initiative exemplifies the power of collaborative action, uniting the NHS, local government, job centres, social housing, education sectors, the voluntary sector, and employers. Together, these partners are committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals with health conditions or disabilities can thrive in meaningful employment.
For more information about WorkWell and how to get involved, please visit https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/workwell.