Employment Minister recognises the vital work of CPSL Mind

Leading local mental health charity Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind and stakeholders welcomed the Minister of State for Employment, The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE, to its Cambridge office on 13^th November to showcase the positive impact that the WorkWell pilot has had on the community.

CPSL Mind’s delivery of the Department of Work and Pension’s (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) WorkWell service launched in December 2024 and delivers a free programme that helps people who might be struggling to find or keep a job due to a physical or mental health problem.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is one of 15 pilots taking place in the UK and is working collaboratively with stakeholders from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System, Huntingdonshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council, Fenland Council and The Papworth Trust.

The visit was to allow the Minister to see first-hand how the service helps the individuals CPSL Mind support.

Minister for Employment Diana Johnson said: “I’ve been really impressed by WorkWell and what I’ve seen here in Cambridge and Peterborough.

“The team are providing the tools and targeted support the people need to break down barriers and get into good work.

“This is what increasing opportunity looks like, helping people get in and get on in work, and in turn growing our economy and putting more money in people’s pockets.”

Image caption: CPSL Mind’s WorkWell team, members of CPSL Mind senior leadership team and stakeholders.

Ashley Bunn, Chief Executive at CPSL Mind, said, “We were delighted to welcome the Minister of State for Employment to CPSL Mind to hear first-hand the positive difference WorkWell is having on people’s lives in Cambridgeshire.

“At CPSL Mind we are committed to supporting people to have positive mental health and wellbeing and between 2024/25, the charity supported more than 8,000 local people. The WorkWell project is just one of many services delivered by CPSL Mind and its success is proof that working collaboratively with people who need support is the best approach in helping people to stay well and to live the best life possible. Do get in touch today to find out how CPSL Mind can help you.”

Dr Mark Brookes, GP in Cambridge and Personalised Care clinical lead for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said, “GPs and the Primary Care in general have been instrumental in the success of WorkWell in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Most GP practices signed up to take part in the pilot, which is probably a reflection of how important GPs see this as being. The majority of referrals have come from GP practices which has resulted in a large number of people being helped by WorkWell.”

The visit included talks from CPSL Mind’s WorkWell Manager, Grant Spillman, and CPSL Mind WorkWell Health and Work Coach Laura Ohlsson, who both shared how the team empowers and supports everyone referred to the service to set and achieve manageable goals.

Grant Spillman, WorkWell Manager, said, “I would like to thank everyone who attended the meeting showcasing WorkWell’s impact. I’m incredibly proud of the WorkWell team, who work tirelessly every day to help people to stay at work or get back to work after experiencing health challenges. We are hoping to grow and develop the project to help more people. It is therefore so important that the WorkWell contract continues in 2026 and beyond to help more people find their route to employment.”

Reflecting on her involvement in the project, Health and Work Coach Laura Ohlsson, said, “I feel passionately about the WorkWell project and its purpose. Giving people the time and space to really think about their priorities and goals for employment, which will hopefully lead to achieving those goals, is extremely fulfilling.”

Since its launch, CPSL Mind’s WorkWell team has supported over 940 people and delivered 1500 hours of support via phone, video call or face-to-face appointments.

The sessions are led by the individual and the team tailors its support accordingly.

Through WorkWell’s personalised support budget, the team have been able to offer participants access to counsellors, occupational therapy, CV writing, interview practice, specialised training for those with ADHD or Autism and direct referrals into a Citizens Advice bureau advisor.

Laura Ohlsson, adds, “Work brings so much to our lives, sometimes more than we may realise until we find ourselves out of work. Financial stability has a huge impact on our circumstances and therefore our mental health. But work is about so much more than just earning money. It is social, it gives us purpose and enables us to learn new skills, all of which are so important to our wellbeing.”

The Minister acknowledged the role that local charities, such as CPSL Mind, play in working with local businesses to support workplace wellbeing.

“I think lots of businesses recognise the importance of supporting the charitable and voluntary sector because they know they provide that kind of support that often other agencies can’t. I think lots of bigger companies, but smaller ones as well, as part of their engagement in their local community will work with charities like Mind and other wellbeing charities to make sure that there is available support to workers and generally to the community.

Caption left to right: Olivia Hubbard (Communications and Engagement Manager CPSL Mind) and The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE

“Most companies now will have some acknowledgement that they are part of that wider infrastructure, giving back to the local community, or utilising a local charity to get the training, that they have specialist knowledge in, is actually a really sensible way forward.”

The WorkWell service works closely with other WorkWell hubs across Peterborough, Fenland and Huntingdonshire, Cambs City Council, DWP and ICB (Integrated Care Board). The team has attended various events, including Neighbourhood meetings, online partnership/collaboration meetings, new partnerships with service providers, Job Centre Plus, Job Fairs and the Chambers of Commerce.

One individual shared how the WorkWell service has supported them.

“It has been incredibly helpful to have been able to speak to you about my worries surrounding work whilst being unwell and I think the WorkWell Service is really useful.”

“I’ve been really grateful for the compassion you’ve shown and incredible level of helpfulness, particularly the way you have always asked if there’s anything else you can help with and clearly putting in a large amount of time and energy into finding resources to help me. Thank you!”

To find out more information and for referral, visit: https://www.growthworkswithskills.com/employer-hub/workwell/

Ends

Notes to editors

Media contacts:

For further information and/or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson from CPSL Mind, please contact:

Olivia Hubbard, Communications and Engagement Manager

Email: Olivia.hubbard@cpslmind.org.uk

Mobile: 07759 838902 Office: 0300 303 4363

CPSL Mind

Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind (CPSL Mind) is a leading local mental health charity in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire and supports local people in their recovery from mental health challenges, promotes wellbeing, and campaigns against stigma and discrimination: http://www.cpslmind.org.uk

We believe that no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone. If you are facing difficulties with your emotional or mental health and are looking for support on your road to recovery, we are here for you.