WORKWELL Evaluation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
WORKWELL: Evaluation of the NENC Health and Growth Accelerator Programme Tackling Economic Inactivity through Integrated Health and Employment Support
IRAS ID
361494
Contact name
Courtney McNamara
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This research is part of a broader evaluation of a new NHS initiative in the North East and North Cumbria called the “Health and Growth Accelerator Programme.” This programme was created in response to long-standing health and economic challenges in the region, including high levels of poverty, long-term illness, and economic inactivity. These issues often overlap, preventing many people from being able to work or live healthy, fulfilling lives. The Health and Growth Accelerator Programme aims to identify people at risk of leaving work for health-related reasons and offer them early, personalised support. GPs refer patients to local Accelerator hubs, where they meet with specially trained Work Coaches. These coaches provide support tailored to each person's needs, which might include better access to mental health or musculoskeletal care, as well as advice on money, housing, and lifestyle issues such as smoking or alcohol use.
This study will explore how GPs, Work Coaches, and patients understand and experience the services provided by the Accelerator hubs. Researchers will interview people from each of these three groups to learn about their experiences with the service. The aim is to understand what is working well, what could be improved, and how the programme can better support people facing complex health and social challenges.REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1213
Date of REC Opinion
3 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion