Project overview
We conducted an independent evaluation of Work Well, an employment project in South London.
Work Well invested in local projects which tackled poverty and promoted social inclusion and employment, while also providing clients with tailored employment support.
It targeted unemployed or economically inactive people who were experiencing common mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and living in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark.
It provided tailored employment support to people experiencing common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Work Well was funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and National Lottery Community Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities programme.
Project details
Finding and keeping meaningful employment is important for people’s mental health and wellbeing.
It can improve financial security and provide routine, confidence, a purpose within society, and opportunities for social interaction.
However, people affected by mental health issues can find it challenging to secure and sustain employment, particularly after a long period of unemployment.
They are also more likely to face stigma and discrimination in the job market, in recruitment processes and with employers.
Work Well wanted to help tackle these issues to get more people with mental health issues in South London into employment.
We conducted an independent evaluation of the Work Well project, which ran from January 2017 to March 2020, to understand its impact and evaluate the experience of people taking part.
We used a peer research methods approach. Members of the research team had experienced long-term mental health problems, long-term unemployment and of claiming unemployment benefits.
Work Well seemed to have a positive impact on clients. Almost all had constructive things to say about the service, and many praised the team or individual staff who had helped them on their journey.
Some had been supported to find satisfying work or training and volunteering opportunities. Others improved their confidence and knowledge about what the next steps on their journey would be.
Read the Work Well project report for more information.
In April 2023 we also published a learning report from the Work Well Advice Line project, which is linked to the Work Well project, but separately funded. Read it here.
For more information on the Work Well project please email [email protected].
Project resources
Work Well Evaluation
Evaluation of a model of individual placement support delivered through DWP employment services
Evaluation of a model of individual placement support delivered through DWP employment services (short report)
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