Employment Minister visits South Yorkshire to see innovative work creating healthier futures 

Andrew Western MP, Minister of State for Employment visited South Yorkshire to hear first-hand how local partners are working together to improve health, wellbeing and employment outcomes through the region’s pioneering NHS Health and Growth Accelerator programme.

Hosted at The Spark, Sheffield Children’s newest world-class facility and home of the National Centre for Child Health Technology at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the visit showcased how organisations across health, local government, education, the voluntary sector and employers are collaborating to create healthier futures for people across South Yorkshire. The Minister met young people, delivery partners and employers to learn how innovative approaches are helping people overcome health barriers, improve wellbeing and access opportunities to thrive in education, employment and their communities.

Minister Andrew and Sa

Focus of the visit  

The Minister met providers delivering peer connector services and specialist support for young people experiencing difficulties with their mental health, as well as neurodivergent young people ages 16 to 24, hearing directly about the positive impact personalised, relationship-based interventions are having on confidence, resilience and future aspirations. 

The visit also highlighted work taking place with employers across South Yorkshire to promote healthier workplaces and support people to remain in employment. Through occupational health advice, wellbeing support and early intervention programmes, employers are being equipped with the tools and expertise needed to support the health of their workforce and prevent people from leaving work because of ill health. 

Sam Andrews, a 20-year-old student who has taken part in the programme, said: “This time last year I wouldn’t have been able to come to an event like this to tell my story. I was in such a low place until I was offered a helping hand and now my confidence has grown massively. The bond with my key worker Corey has made me realise that everyone has strengths and something important to bring to work. I’m starting a youth worker qualification and can’t wait to help young people.” 

Partnership programme  

The NHS Health and Growth Accelerator is an initiative funded by NHS England and led locally by the NHS South Yorkshire ICB as a partnership programme designed to tackle economic inactivity linked to poor health while supporting inclusive economic growth across the region. By bringing together expertise from across sectors, the programme aims to help people stay well, stay connected and achieve their potential. 

Minister for Employment Andrew Western said: “Seeing the NHS Health and Growth Accelerator in action here in South Yorkshire has been inspiring, showing what’s possible when health services, local government, education and employers come together with a shared focus on the individual.  

“Meeting Sam and hearing how this programme has transformed their confidence and future is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.  

“This government is committed to breaking down the barriers that stop people fulfilling their potential, and partnerships like this one are exactly the kind of innovative, preventative approach we want to see across the country as we create opportunity and get Britain working.” 

Ruth Brown, Chief Executive of Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were delighted to host the Minister and provide an opportunity for him to hear directly from young people and the professionals supporting them. At Sheffield Children’s, we see every day the impact that mental health challenges, anxiety and other barriers can have on a young person’s confidence, aspirations and future opportunities. 

“The NHS led Health and Growth Accelerator is helping us work differently by connecting health, education, employment and community support around the needs of young people. By intervening early and providing tailored support, we can help more young people build resilience, develop confidence and take positive steps towards education, training and employment. 

“Creating healthier futures is at the heart of everything we do. Today’s visit was a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the importance of investing in young people’s health and wellbeing and the lasting difference this can make for individuals, families, communities and the wider economy.”

Christine Joy, Chief People Officer at NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Senior Responsible Officer for the Health and Growth Accelerator and WorkWell, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister to South Yorkshire and showcase the innovative work taking place across our communities to improve health outcomes and help people access, return to and remain in employment. We know that good work is one of the most important determinants of health, and equally that good health is fundamental to people being able to thrive in work. 

“Through the Health and Growth Accelerator and other programmes such as Trailblazer and WorkWell, we are bringing together the NHS, local authorities, employers, voluntary sector organisations and community partners to provide more joined-up, personalised support. The Minister heard directly from people whose lives have been changed through this approach, as well as from employers who are benefiting from improved workplace health support. 

“South Yorkshire is demonstrating how investing in people’s health and wellbeing can also support economic growth, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this work.”

During the visit, the Minister also heard how South Yorkshire’s population health management approach has enabled the programme to respond directly to the health needs of the population and working alongside Primary Care colleagues helping identify people who may benefit from support earlier, connecting them with services including mental health support and physiotherapy to wellbeing coaching, community activities and employment advice. 

The Health and Growth Accelerator focuses on supporting people at risk of falling out of work because of health conditions, improving opportunities for young people facing health-related barriers and expanding access to workplace health support for employers. By taking a preventative and person-centred approach, partners across South Yorkshire are helping to improve lives, strengthen communities and create healthier futures for generations to come. 

Attendees: 

• Sam Andrews, a 20-year-old student who has taken part in the programme

• Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust 

• NHS South Yorkshire ICB 

• Children and Young People’s Alliance  

• Rotherham and Dearn Valley College 

• Chilypep 

• Sheffield Futures  

• Rush House  

• Sheffield City Council  

• City of Doncaster Council 

• Barnsley Council 

• Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council 

• South Yorkshire Occupational Health Advisory Service (SOHAS) 

• Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, The Rotherham Foundation Trust  

• Home Instead Sheffield, and Barnsley 

• Attain 

• Cubley Hall 

• Department for Work and Pensions