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IN VIEW
WORKWELL PILOT
GOES NATIONAL A Lancashire pilot programme that supported more than 3,000 people to overcome health related barriers to employment will be rolled out nationally.
A new report into WorkWell – a collaboration between the NHS, local authorities, Department for Work and Pensions, and other partners, led by NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) – found the programme helped to ‘stem the flow of people leaving work due to ill health’.
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BUSINESSES BACK CITY OF CULTURE BID
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The business community is backing Blackpool’s bid to be named UK City of Culture 2029. A letter of support cosigned by representatives of more than 2,500 businesses across the Fylde Coast has been sent to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport backing the bid.
The letter highlights the benefits being named UK City of Culture would have for businesses in the area.
The joint letter has been signed by Martin Long, chair of Blackpool Business Leadership Group, Babs Murphy, chief executive of North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Sue Grindrod, managing director of Blackpool BIDs and Andy Anderson, chair of the Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network.
It says: “From a business perspective, the benefits of UK City of Culture would be significant. A successful bid would provide a major boost to Blackpool’s visitor economy, increasing visitor numbers, extending stays, and encouraging greater spending across accommodation, hospitality, retail, leisure and cultural attractions.
“Importantly, the benefits would extend well beyond tourism alone. The investment, visibility and activity generated by a City of Culture programme would support the creation of new jobs, develop local skills, stimulate business growth and attract further inward investment.
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“It would create opportunities for local suppliers, cultural organisations, entrepreneurs and small businesses across the Fylde Coast, ensuring that economic gains are felt throughout our communities.
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“We also believe this bid presents an opportunity to inspire the next generation. By connecting culture with education, skills and employment pathways, Blackpool 2029 can help young people develop their talents, access new opportunities and build successful careers within the town and the wider region.
“At a time when places across the UK are competing for investment, talent and visitors,
Blackpool stands ready to demonstrate how culture can drive inclusive economic growth.”
More than 20,000 people have supported Blackpool’s bid so far. Local authorities across Lancashire are also being urged to back the bid. Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Phil Riley has written to council leaders across the county calling for their support.
He said: “The bid is being led by Blackpool Council, one of our partners in the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA). While the name on the bid is Blackpool, it is receiving support from across Lancashire, including from the LCCA, and claiming this title would be of benefit to the entire county.”
If successful, Blackpool would receive £10m in prize money from the government towards a year-long celebration of arts and culture. As well as the prize money, the title of City of Culture also brings additional funding, sponsorship and investment to support regeneration and events.
The bid has been backed by local, national and internationally recognised artists, businesses, performers, political leaders and celebrities, all asking the government to bring the accolade to Blackpool.
Celebrities including the Pet Shop Boys’ Chris Lowe, punk star John Robb, explorer and author Jordan Wylie and perhaps Blackpool’s most famous British export, Sooty, have all joined Blackpool fans such as Stephen Mulhern, Toyah Wilcox, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen to throw their support behind the bid.
Blackpool Council has also been working with local businesses and attractions, such as the Pleasure Beach, the Grand Theatre, Showtown, Blackpool Tourism, Blackpool BID, Business in the Community and Cuffe & Taylor to highlight the opportunities that City of Culture could bring to Blackpool.
Following the submission of the bid, the final four shortlisted places will be announced in the autumn, with a final winner selected in the new year.
Gary O’Neill
Launched in October 2024, WorkWell is a free and voluntary service that helps people experiencing health related barriers to start, return to or remain in work.
Its emphasis is on prevention, offering support before health concerns escalate or lead to someone leaving employment.
Participants are assigned a work and health coach to agree realistic next steps and develop a personalised support plan, and coaches consider which local services are available to provide support and signposting tailored to each person’s circumstances.
Gary O’Neill, the ICB’s associate director for population health, said: “WorkWell has shown that early, personalised support can make a real difference.
By bringing together health, employment and community services, we have helped people overcome barriers, improve their wellbeing and either stay in work or move closer to employment.
“The success of the pilot demonstrates the value of a joined up approach and provides a strong foundation for the next phase across Lancashire and South Cumbria.”
The ICB added that the next phase of the programme will see an increase in employer engagement and additional integration between work and health services.
Last year, the TUC published a report that said work related illness cost the UK economy more than £415m a week.
Its analysis of official statistics revealed the number of days lost due to health conditions – including stress, depression and anxiety – has shot up by a third since 2010.
It also said presenteeism, where employees work while unwell and perform below their full potential, costs businesses £24bn per year.
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