Live Well Wakefield helps health and care staff stay well at work

What’s this project all about?

This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.

Thanks to Healthy Working Life funding, health and care staff in the Wakefield district are getting new help to stay well at work - and it’s already making a difference.

Terri Hazelgrave, System Lead for Workforce Supply, explains:

“When staff feel well and supported, they are more likely to stay in work, recover faster and feel confident doing their jobs.”

In July 2025, Live Well Wakefield expanded its social prescribing service to support people working across local hospitals, GP practices and social care providers. The aim is to tackle the real-life issues that can lead to stress, sickness and time off work.

The new offer gives health and care staff free, one-to-one support for up to 12 weeks. Social prescribers use a NICE-endorsed assessment tool to understand what matters most to each person. Together, they create a personal plan focused on clear wellbeing goals.

Support goes beyond medical needs. It looks at everyday pressures that can affect health, such as:

• housing worries
• money problems
• caring responsibilities
• work-life balance

“Non-medical issues can have a very real impact on someone’s health and their ability to stay well in work,” says Rebecca Dunford, Social Prescribing Services Manager (pictured first left on the team pic). “This service gives staff the time and space to talk about what they are experiencing and access practical support.”

Social prescribers then connect people to local voluntary groups, community organisations and statutory services. They also help remove barriers, offering guidance and advocacy where needed. Alongside one-to-one support, the team runs workshops for both staff and managers.

The Wellbeing at Work sessions help employees take control of their health. They focus on simple self-management tools and communication skills. Staff learn how to talk about their needs and build confidence to seek support early.

The Promoting Workplace Wellbeing workshops are designed for managers and people in staff-support roles. These sessions help leaders understand the social pressures staff may face and how to have meaningful wellbeing conversations.

The Live Well Wakefield team explains:

“As well as supporting individuals, we’re helping organisations build healthier workplace cultures, that reduces the risk of long-term absence and supports better outcomes for everyone.”

What difference has it made?

Up to December 2025:

• 43 staff had been referred for one-to-one social prescribing support
• 123 people had been referred to workshops

Of the 43 referred for individual support, 21 have completed follow-up assessments so far. The results show strong health gains:

• 90% achieved their main health and wellbeing goal
• 71% improved their overall wellbeing
• 24% maintained high wellbeing, with scores already in the top 15% range
• 5% reported a decline, linked to ongoing employment issues

In total, the team created 101 onward connections to local services and activities. That means more people now have stronger support networks around them.

“These are real improvements in people’s health and confidence,” says Rebecca. “When someone feels better equipped to manage life’s challenges, that has a direct impact on their ability to remain well at work.”

What do staff say?

Feedback from participants highlights the personal impact. One staff member said the support gave them the confidence to attend a return-to-work meeting and clearly explain their health needs.

Another shared:

“You have made me feel validated, supported and feel I have options. You have no idea how much this has changed me, thank you.”

Others said:

“Thank you, you have been very understanding.”
“Thank you, I feel like I’m being listened to.”

Shannon Simpson, Service Coordinator (pictured second from the left in the Live Well Wakefield team photo), says:

“It’s about empowerment. When staff feel heard and supported, they’re more confident, more resilient and better able to stay in work.”

What’s next for the project?

The service continues to grow to meet demand across the district. New developments include:

• extended hours so staff can access support outside their normal working day
• online self-management workshops to complete at a time that suits them
• online one-to-one drop-in sessions after workshops, giving instant access to a social prescriber
• greater promotion to smaller primary care and social care providers

“We want every health and care worker in Wakefield to know this support is there for them,” Terri says. “It’s free, it’s confidential - and it can make a real difference to your health.”

How can I get involved?

Health and care staff who live and work in the Wakefield district can:

• self-refer through the Live Well Wakefield Healthy Working Life webpage
• call 01924 255363
• ask their GP for a referral
• speak to their line manager

Those living outside the district can contact their own GP practice or the Live Well Wakefield team for advice on local social prescribing services.

Terri concludes:

“Supporting staff wellbeing is not a ‘nice to have’. It leads to better health, stronger workplaces and a more resilient workforce for the people of Wakefield.

You can also read the 'Live Well Wakefield helps health and care staff stay well at work' case study as a PDF.