Helping you stay well and working
Good health and good work go hand-in-hand. When we feel well, we’re more able to stay in work, enjoy what we do, and support ourselves and our families. But when health problems – like stress, back pain, or long-term conditions – get in the way, it can be hard to stay in or return to work, even if we want to.
The health service, councils, Job Centre and community are working together to make sure support is joined up and connected.
Why it matters
Across Coventry and Warwickshire, of those working age adults out of work, the reason is ill health or disability for almost one in every four. Of these, 3 in 4 people report having more than one health condition. But there are also many more people in work who are affected by poor health – of all those reporting a health condition, more than two thirds are in employment.
That’s not just tough for people affected – it also puts a strain on families, communities, the economy, and the NHS. We know people want to stay active, connected and independent.
Supporting programmes:
If you have a health condition or disability and need support to stay well and working, support is available. The Coventry & Warwickshire WorkWell Programme can help if you are in employment or recently unemployed. Connect To Work (Coventry) can help if you have been out of work for longer (also due to start soon in Warwickshire). If you have a health condition and not sure what is right for you, speak to the WorkWell team.
Employment support is part of the conversation and available alongside your treatment for some services, such as in Talking Therapies, Severe Mental Illness and Drug and Alcohol services in Coventry and Warwickshire. If you’re receiving treatment from another service and want employment support, WorkWell may be able to help.
Looking for a new job? Need a change?
Sometimes your existing job just doesn’t work for you anymore, which can cause stress. Find employment in Healthcare, Social Care or other roles in Coventry City or Warwickshire County Councils.
All a bit daunting and need some help? Or worried you might need new skills?
- Coventry residents can get support finding employment and developing new skills from the Coventry Job Shop who will also help you with specialist support. Warwickshire residents can access the Warwickshire Skills Hub
- Take your first steps into health and social care through the NHS Health and Social Care Employability Academy which provides training and employment opportunities to those from a range of backgrounds.
Need some experience or retired?
Volunteering can be a great way to learn new skills, give back to the community and connect with others, all known to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Find volunteering opportunities here.
High levels of health and wellbeing creates a strong, diverse and reliable workforce. For businesses wanting to create a happy, healthy workplace, visit our Workplace Wellbeing page where you can find practical guidance, toolkits and networks such as Businesses Committed to a Fairer Coventry, Workplace Wellbeing accreditation programmes and sign up for Coventry & Warwickshire’s Workplace Wellbeing forums.
- Businesses can get general support from Coventry’s Employer Engagement Team or Warwickshire’s Skills Hub.
Income, skills and employment levels all affect our ability to live healthily. Find out more about the collective role of local councils, health bodies and our universities as key local employers and contributors to a strong local economy through the Coventry & Warwickshire Anchor Alliance.