More than 2,000 people are now taking part in the Sheffield City Region's "Working Win" health-led research trial,
The innovative research trial, one of only two such projects in the UK, has also been credited in the NHS’ Long-Term Plan, launched earlier this month.
Working Win aims to find out whether a new type of support for people who are struggling with work due to health issues, is better than other services which are already on offer.
Funded by the NHS and the Government’s Work and Health Unit, the trial - which covers South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw -is one of two research projects that has the potential to change the way that services are delivered nationally. The other trial is running in the West Midlands.
The trial’s inclusion in the NHS Long Term Plan signifies its importance to health research and the impact that health can have on the UK economy.
Mayor of Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, said: “It’s a great achievement to have reached this point in the Working Win trial. I'm very grateful to the 2,000 people who are giving their time for this important research, which simply couldn’t take place without them.
"I hope that this trial, together with the NHS’ commitment to focus on health and employment as part of their Long Term Plan, means that, nationally, we can find better solutions for people who want to work, but have so far been restricted by mental or physical health conditions.
"I'm also proud that Sheffield City Region is leading the way by pioneering this new kind of employment support. It's great to see that people in our region are the first to trial this innovative scheme, which is already making a difference to so many lives."
Medical Director for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System, Des Breen, said: “We know that one of the determinates for good mental and physical health is stable employment.
"The integrated care approach looks at all things which can contribute to a person becoming ill. The NHS Long Term Plan published earlier this month sets out a commitment to integrated care where, housing, education, employment and medical care are all looked at as a whole in order to tackle the underlying causes of ill health.”
The Working Win trial is being delivered locally in partnership with South Yorkshire Housing Association, which has a wealth of experience in running employment support programmes.
Niall O’Reilly, Head of Work and Wellbeing of South Yorkshire Housing Association, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the 2,000 people across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw who’ve signed up to Working Win.
"They’re helping us test an innovative new way of supporting people with health conditions to find and sustain good work, an approach that’s compassionate, strengths-based and entirely voluntary.
"The feedback we’ve already received from participants is really encouraging. More than 90% of people describe our service as Good or Excellent.
“There’s still an opportunity for 5,500 more people to take part. If you want to be part of this groundbreaking trial – or if you know a patient, friend, family member or co-worker who might benefit – please do visit www.workingwin.com or call 0114 2900 218”
To be eligible, volunteers must be over 18 years, registered with a GP in South Yorkshire or Bassetlaw, and be either struggling in work or having difficulty finding employment, due to low-level health problems. To find out more, or book an initial appointment, visit www.workingwin.com.
