Cornwall secures three‑year extension for WorkWell as local results show strong impact

A programme supporting people to stay in or return to work if they’re struggling with their physical or mental health is being extended in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.Funding for WorkWell will continue to 2029 following strong early results that shows it is making a measurable difference.

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is one of 15 regions that was chosen nationally to pilot WorkWell, funded by the Government and delivered through NHS Cornwall via voluntary sector partners.WorkWell programme lead for NHS Cornwall, Jessie Leigh, said: “We have been able to showcase some brilliant results since the pilot began, so the news of the extended funding is fantastic as it means we can continue to help people start, stay and succeed in work for years to come.”

Since launching more than 1,000 people have been referred to WorkWell, with users either being referred by themselves, the voluntary sector or primary care networks.This has led to more than 950 action plans to help people either stay in work or return to work and a satisfaction rate of 96% for the support received.WorkWell offers fast, free, personalised coaching, giving people swift access to practical support around workplace challenges, confidence, health management, return‑to‑work planning and much more.

It also combines digital self‑management tools with the WorkWell mental health app.Launched last summer, the app aims to support people with their mental health by offering practical, compassionate support that fits into everyday life.It’s free to download and use and offers bite‑sized cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions to explore in your own time.

Fast forward to Spring 2026, more than 600 people have been using the app and early data highlights great results.

Statistics showing the app is considered ‘clinically significant’ in helping people improve feelings of anxiety, whilst also supporting people with feelings of depression. Anxiety scores (GAD‑2) have improved from 4.03 to 2.90 for app users, and depression scores (PHQ‑2) have dropped from 3.42 to 3.00, early signs of progress that can make a real difference in someone’s working life.

Jessie Leigh says: “Mental health is now the top health reason for people leaving the workforce. We needed a new kind of support, something that combines the best of digital tools with access to real, human connection.”More than half of the people who download the app use it regularly, comfortably beating industry benchmarks.

Alongside offering digital support at your fingertips, the app also enables users to connect with a WorkWell coach.

Jessie says: “With around 25% of users requesting coaching it shows how digital support can help people feel ready to seek human help at a time that’s right for them.”

Prasannajeet Mane, founder of app developer Cerina, describes the vision clearly: “With mood tracking, day‑to‑day coaching tips, and the ability to request support from a WorkWell coach, it’s designed for real life, the kind of help someone can check on a bus, during a quiet moment at home, or on a lunch break when stress is at its peak.

This early‑intervention approach means support is available before someone reaches a breaking point or loses their job due to health challenges.”

In Cornwall, the WorkWell Employer Champions initiative has also been launched.The combination of a fully funded digital app and free personalised coaching is proving attractive for businesses looking to support staff who are struggling with physical or mental health, with growing numbers becoming Employer Champions signposting to the WorkWell programme.

Truro and Penwith College is a WorkWell Employer Champion, head of people, Amelia Kitchen says: "We are delighted to be an Employer Champion with WorkWell, prioritising the health and wellbeing of our colleagues at Truro and Penwith College is really important to us and this brilliant initiative provides free and easily accessible, tailored support at times when we would benefit from a local helping hand to navigate more challenging times in our lives.  The news of the extended funding is a huge boost for people in Cornwall so well done to all involved."

To find out more about WorkWell including details of the Employer Champions initiative visit WorkWell Cornwall and Isles of Scilly - NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly