Residents and employers across Barrow and Furness areas are being encouraged to access a range of free support services through a newly launched Work and Health Support Guide.
The guide brings together information on local services that help people improve their health and wellbeing, remain in work, return to employment following illness or injury, develop new skills and access specialist support tailored to their individual circumstances.
The resource has been developed to provide a single point of access to support available from a variety of organisations working across the area, making it easier for residents, employers and professionals to find the right help when it is needed.
The guide highlights support covering:
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Staying in work with a health condition
- Returning to work after a period of absence
- Employment and skills support
- Workplace wellbeing for employers
- Specialist advice and community-based services
The initiative recognises the important link between good health and good work and aims to support residents to live healthier lives while helping local employers build more resilient workplaces.
Patricia Bell, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Adult Care said:
"Work can play an important role in supporting people's health and wellbeing, but we recognise that many residents face challenges that can affect their ability to find, stay in or return to employment. This new guide brings together a wide range of support services in one place, making it easier for people to access the help they need. We would encourage residents, employers and professionals to take a look and share it with anyone who may benefit."
The guide also includes information for employers looking to support staff wellbeing, reduce sickness absence and create positive workplace cultures.