New scheme to help 1,500 disabled people in Greater Manchester get into work

‘Thousands’ of people with health conditions will receive new help to find work in Greater Manchester thanks to a new scheme.

The scheme known as the Working Well Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (WW:IPSPC) programme, supports adults who have a physical or mental health disability to move into employment. In-work support is also available to people who are working but need help to maintain their job.

The Growth Company, alongside subcontractor Groundwork, are delivering the programme which will see 40 Employment Specialists working closely with NHS Primary Care clinical teams to offer wraparound support.

A phased roll-out is underway with teams now in place in Manchester, Rochdale and Salford with Bolton, Bury, Tameside, Oldham, Stockport, Trafford, and Wigan to follow over the coming months.

Commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the programme aims to help 1,500 adults across the region between now and March 2025. WW:IPSPC will be delivered as part of GMCA’s wider Working Well portfolio which has a suite of different programmes to meet needs around health and employment.

It aims to help people move into work quickly with personalised employment support and advice integrated with their normal health treatment. Participants receive ‘place and train’ employment support, and they are referred onto the scheme by healthcare professionals such as GPs, or can put themselves forward.

Employment Specialists will offer flexible one-to-one tailored support including rapid job search, liaising with employers, help with benefits, and bespoke careers advice based on skills and abilities.

Rochelle Seddon, Operations Manager at The Growth Company, commented: “What really sets WW:IPSPC apart is its holistic approach. Our team of dedicated employment experts will be integrated into NHS teams, to ensure that physical and mental health needs are considered every step of the way.

“This means that when, for instance, a GP refers an individual to an NHS clinician for mental health support, our specialists will work closely with the healthcare professional to provide tailored employment assistance.

“We are excited about the positive impact this programme will have on the lives of individuals and the Greater Manchester community as a whole. It will really help to build a more inclusive workforce where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their skills and talents.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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