Launch of Working Well Norfolk employment programme

Working Well Norfolk, a £2.7M scheme funded by the Department for Work & Pensions set to help Norfolk residents with long-term health conditions or physical impairments get into work and to stay in work, was officially launched today (Thursday 12 October) by Cllr Fabian Eagle at the Work, Skills and Wellbeing Fair.

The scheme, managed by Norfolk County Council and run by delivery partners Seetec Pluss and Standguide Ltd aims to provide free personalised 1:1 support to 1,100 people who have physical disabilities or who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties, and to people who are experiencing other long-term sickness or disabilities that impact their daily activities. Participants can be unemployed or currently in work. Interested individuals or businesses should contact Seetec Pluss on 07933 818 986 or see www.seetecpluss/working-well-norfolk to register their interest.

Each participant will work with a dedicated Employment Specialist to develop a tailored, strengths-based action plan, exploring their needs, barriers, goals, experience, and skills with a view to finding suitable employment. The scheme also includes intensive mentoring on employability skills, skills development, condition management and confidence building. Employment Specialists will actively engage with Norfolk businesses to identify employment opportunities and match potential positions to suitable participants. Participants will also benefit from on-going mentoring.

Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Growing the Economy said: "Working Well Norfolk is an exciting new opportunity for eligible residents to start, or remain in, sustainable employment. The scheme will provide much needed support to individuals who may need additional help due to a disability, health condition or special educational needs. Individuals, healthcare professionals and businesses will be able to refer people into the scheme, so that they can access and benefit from this innovative programme."

Hannah Parnell, Integration Lead from Seetec Pluss said: "We're delighted to be working with Norfolk County Council and Standguide to help people who might ordinarily find getting or keeping a job hard work. Our teams of employment specialists are ready to help people to get into employment or to make their current position more viable."

Additional information

Many project participants are likely to be referred to the scheme by a range of stakeholders including GPs and healthcare professionals, community health services, social care, voluntary community and social enterprise s organisations and Job Centre Plus. Individuals and businesses with staff members that the project may be able to help can also self-refer. To find out more about the project contact Hannah at Hannah.Parnell@seetecpluss.co.uk.