If you’ve stopped working because of your health, WorkWell Essex offers free, personalised support to return to work, helping you explore your options at a pace that works for you.
Whether you’ve recently left a job because of a health condition or disability, are recovering from an illness or injury, or feel uncertain about returning to employment, we’re here to help.
You don’t need to feel ready to start a new job or know what you want to do next. Our dedicated Work and Health Coaches will take time to understand your circumstances, help you build confidence and support you in planning your next steps.
How can WorkWell help me?
Everyone’s circumstances are different. WorkWell offers personalised support to help you overcome health-related challenges and move towards employment.
Depending on your needs, your Work and Health Coach can help you:
- Build your confidence – Talk through any worries about returning to work and explore what might help you feel more prepared.
- Understand your options – Consider the type of work and working arrangements that might suit your health and circumstances.
- Manage your health – Explore ways to manage your physical or mental health as you prepare for employment.
- Plan your next steps – Develop a personalised plan with achievable goals that work for you.
- Find additional support – Connect with local health, wellbeing, employment and community services that could help.
You and your coach will agree what support is most useful to you.
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.
Is WorkWell right for me?
WorkWell could help if you’re currently out of work and your health or disability is making it difficult to find or return to employment.
For example, you might:
- Have recently left a job because of a physical or mental health condition.
- Be recovering from an illness, injury or medical treatment.
- Feel worried or uncertain about returning to work because of your health.
- Need help understanding what kind of work might be manageable for you.
- Want to start thinking about employment but aren’t sure where to begin.
You don’t need to have a particular diagnosis to ask whether WorkWell could help.
You don’t have to feel ready to return to work to start exploring your options.
If you need more intensive or longer-term employment support, we can also help you understand what other services may be available.
What happens when I get support?
If WorkWell is right for you, you’ll be matched with a dedicated Work and Health Coach.
Together, you’ll:
- Talk about your circumstances – Discuss your health, any challenges you’re facing and what you’d like to achieve.
- Agree a personal plan – Identify realistic goals and practical steps that could help you move towards employment.
- Work towards your goals – Receive guidance and support, including connections to other services where needed.
Support usually involves six to eight sessions, depending on your circumstances.
Your coach will work with you to identify steps that feel manageable, taking your health and individual needs into account.
How do I get support?
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.