New health-led employment trial launches across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw

A new health-led employment trial that will support people with a mental or physical health condition to find and remain in employment has been launched by Sheffield City Region and South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA) with backing from Barnsley CCG.

Called Working Win, this randomised control trial is being funded by the Government’s Work and Health Unit and delivered in partnership with Sheffield City Region and local NHS partners. It is open to participants who are aged 18 or over, are registered with a GP in Barnsley or anywhere across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw and who have a mental or physical health condition that they feel is a barrier to moving into employment or remaining in their current role. The trial is voluntary and will not affect the participant’s benefits status.

People can self-refer themselves into the trial via http://www.workingwinreferrals.co.uk

NHS organisations can also refer participants into the trial, and all seven NHS Trusts in the region and 42 GP practices have already signed up, with more expected to follow.

Dan Jarvis, Sheffield City Region mayor, said: “Research has proved that that being in good work can support good health.

“That’s why I’m proud that Sheffield City Region is one of the very first areas in the UK to be trialling this new dedicated and personalised support, helping people to find work, or to stay in work if they’re struggling.

“I’m committed to doing all I can to tackle inequality and help people from all communities to gain the skills and opportunities that they need to fulfil their goals.”

Niall O’Reilly, Head of Work and Wellbeing of South Yorkshire Housing Association, says: “Working Win provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to trial new ways of improving employment outcomes for people with physical or mental health conditions. Being out of work or suffering from work-related stress can have a range of negative impacts, making it more likely that we’ll report ill health and worsening recovery from conditions like heart disease.

“Good work for people who want it is a health outcome. We encourage people in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw to refer themselves to the trial via http://www.workingwinreferrals.co.uk or speak to their local health professional to find out more about the support available.”

Dr Matthew Capehorn, GP, from Clifton Medical Centre over in neighbouring Rotherham, who are also getting involved, said: “I see patients regularly who I can imagine would benefit from this trial and am delighted to be part of it. I believe that many of my patients for whom this trial would be relevant would really benefit from the additional support and the positivity that being part of a healthy workplace can bring. I look forward to seeing the results.”

To find out more about how people can be referred to take part in the Working Win trial, visit: https://www.workingwin.com/articles/the-health-led-employment-trial.