Partnership approach helps residents access health and employment support

Residents across Denbighshire are benefiting from a collaborative approach that brings together local GP practices, health services and employability support from Working Denbighshire, ensuring people can access the help they need, when and where they need it.

By building on established relationships, organisations are working together to connect individuals attending GP surgeries and other health settings with tailored employability services. This approach recognises the important link between health, wellbeing and access to work, training and skills opportunities.

As part of this ongoing initiative, digital screens have been introduced in GP practices across Denbighshire. These provide clear and accessible information about the support available, making it easier for people to learn about employability services while accessing healthcare.

Healthcare partners across Denbighshire have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to strengthen links between health and employment support, helping create more coordinated pathways for residents. Through closer collaboration, individuals can be connected with services that address both health-related challenges and barriers to work.

Teams are continuing to work alongside GP practices, mental health services and wider healthcare professionals to enhance referral pathways and improve the experience for individuals accessing support. This enables people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions to receive guidance that reflects their wellbeing, aspirations and personal circumstances.

As part of this work, Working Denbighshire is collaborating with Occupational Therapists (OTs), whose specialist skills enable them to assess functional capacity, understand workplace demands and help individuals overcome physical, mental and social barriers to employment. Their expertise supports people to identify practical solutions that can help them access, return to and sustain meaningful work.

Together, partners share a common goal of reducing economic inactivity by supporting individuals with health conditions to access opportunities that improve wellbeing and employment prospects. As part of the Welsh Government's Trailblazer programme, an Occupational Therapist will work across the Jobcentre, Working Denbighshire and selected GP practices to provide integrated assistance for residents facing health-related barriers to work. The initiative aims to build local capacity, strengthen collaboration between organisations and test innovative ways of helping people move towards sustainable employment.

Working Denbighshire's newly opened VIBE Station is providing an ideal environment for these partnerships to grow, bringing services together in one location and making it easier for residents to access a range of support. By connecting healthcare, employability and community services, individuals can benefit from guidance tailored to their unique needs and goals.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said:

"Good employment can transform lives, but we know that for many people, health challenges can make it difficult to take that first step into work or training. That's why bringing together healthcare professionals, Working Denbighshire and our wider partners is so important.

"This collaborative approach is about making support easier to access, more joined-up and centred around the individual. By working together, we can help people overcome barriers, improve their wellbeing and build the confidence and skills they need to move towards sustainable employment.

"Initiatives like this demonstrate the value of partnership working and our shared commitment to tackling deprivation, strengthening our communities and creating opportunities for residents across Denbighshire to thrive."

Melanie Evans, Service Manager for Strategic Employment said:

"This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when services come together with a shared purpose. Strengthening our relationships with GP practices, mental health teams and wider healthcare professionals, means we're creating more opportunities for people to access support that they need.

The commitment shown by our healthcare partners has been incredibly encouraging, and it has been instrumental in developing our approach. It's an exciting opportunity that has the potential to make a real difference for individuals, families and communities across the county."

Kate Pierce, Advanced practitioner Occupational Therapist for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board added:

“Work is an important part of health and wellbeing, yet many people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions face significant barriers to accessing or returning to employment or meaningful activity. Through the PrOacTive project, we are bringing occupational therapy expertise directly into employment and primary care settings, helping people identify their strengths, manage health-related challenges and build confidence towards meaningful work. By working collaboratively with GP practices, Working Denbighshire and Jobcentre colleagues, we can provide more joined-up, person-centred support that not only improves employment outcomes but also enhances overall health, independence and quality of life.”

This collaborative approach is helping to create a more connected system across Denbighshire, supporting residents to improve their wellbeing, explore new opportunities and move towards sustainable, meaningful employment.

About Working Denbighshire:

Working Denbighshire’s support is free and available to anyone aged 16+ living in Denbighshire who would like help moving forward.

Residents can learn more at: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/working-denbighshire

Working Denbighshire is part‑funded by the UK Government and multiple programmes, including the Welsh Government’s Communities for Work Plus, the UK–Wales Trailblazer initiative targeting economic inactivity, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), and Connect to Work.