WorkWell Essex is a free, UK Government-funded programme that supports people whose health or disability is making it difficult to stay in work or return to employment.
Whether you’re struggling in your current job, off sick or out of work because of your health, WorkWell can help you explore your options and find the support you need.
Our dedicated Work and Health Coaches will work with you to understand your circumstances and develop a personalised plan to help you move forward.
How can WorkWell help?
Everyone’s situation is different. WorkWell brings together health, wellbeing and employment support to help you overcome challenges affecting your working life.
Depending on your needs, your Work and Health Coach can help you:
- Understand how your health is affecting your ability to work.
- Build confidence about staying in or returning to employment.
- Explore practical changes or adjustments that could help.
- Develop a personal plan based on your goals.
- Access other health, wellbeing and employment services.
Support usually involves six to eight sessions, depending on your circumstances.
WorkWell is free, voluntary and tailored to your needs.
WorkWell is available to people who:
- are aged 16 or over
- have the right to work in the UK
- live in Essex, are registered with an Essex GP or are supported by an Essex Jobcentre Plus
- have a disability, physical or mental health condition, or another health-related issue affecting their ability to work
- would like support to remain in work, return following sickness absence, or start or move towards work
People may be employed, self-employed, on sickness absence, recently unemployed or economically inactive.
Find the right support for you
I’m in work but struggling with my health
Are you finding it difficult to manage your health alongside your job, or worried you might have to stop working?
WorkWell can help you explore ways to manage your health, overcome challenges and stay in employment.
Find out how WorkWell can help you stay in workI’m not working because of my health
Have you left work because of your health, or are you unsure about returning to employment?
WorkWell can help you build confidence, explore your options and take positive steps towards working again, at a pace that works for you.
Find out how WorkWell can help you return to workI’m an employer
Are you looking for ways to support an employee whose health is affecting their ability to work?
WorkWell can provide personalised support to help employees manage health-related challenges and stay in or return to employment.
Find out how WorkWell can support your employeesWorkWell or Connect to Work?
You may have heard of another employment support programme in Essex called Connect to Work, delivered by Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council.
Both programmes are free and voluntary, but they offer different types of support.
WorkWell Essex provides early, short-term support for people whose health or disability is affecting their ability to work. It focuses on helping people stay in work, return to work or take steps towards employment.
Connect to Work provides more intensive, longer-term employment support for eligible people with disabilities, health conditions or other challenges. This can include help finding suitable employment and ongoing support once someone starts work.
Not sure which service is right for you?
You don’t need to work it out on your own.
If your health is affecting your ability to work, the WorkWell team can help you understand your options and, where appropriate, connect you with other services, including Connect to Work.
How to access WorkWell
Referrals to WorkWell Essex will open in November 2026. The service is free, and taking part is entirely your choice.
There are several ways to access support.
Refer through Essex Frontline
You can refer yourself to WorkWell Essex or ask a healthcare professional to refer you.
Visit Essex Frontline (opens in a new window) and select the employment tab or search for WorkWell Essex.
You will be asked to complete a referral form. There are separate forms for residents and healthcare professionals.
Need help making a referral?
If you’re unable to access the online referral form, you can ask a friend, family member or healthcare professional to complete it on your behalf.
They must have your permission before submitting the referral.
Contact us by email
You can also contact the WorkWell Essex team by emailing [email protected].
Contact us by phone
You can also call us on 01245 459358.
Please note that this is a voicemail-only service. Leave your name and telephone number, and a member of our team will call you back.
You do not need to share any personal health information in your message.