Investing in Prevention: How Healthworks’ 12-Week Programme Supports Patients and the NHS

At Healthworks, we are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities across Newcastle through evidence-based lifestyle interventions. Last year alone, our initiatives contributed to an estimated cost saving of £41.3 million for the NHS and Social Care.

With Newcastle City Council shifting its focus from Health Trainers to tackling poverty and enhancing financial well-being, the connection between financial stability and health is being increasingly recognised.

However, we know that financial security alone is not enough—many individuals also require structured guidance and education around key lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, weight management, and smoking cessation to achieve lasting health improvements.

Introducing Our 12-Week Health Referral Programme

To address this need, we are offering a 12-week Health Referral Programme, which GPs, Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and other providers can commission to provide structured, evidence-based support for their patients. This is not just about signposting people to other services – it is about direct, hands-on support to improve patient outcomes.

This programme is designed to complement existing health and well-being initiatives, providing a preventative approach that empowers individuals to take control of their health and helps reduce the burden on primary and secondary care services.

Key Benefits of Commissioning This Service

1. Proven Impact on Patient Health

Our work has already delivered measurable improvements in health outcomes:

• 220 clients lost a total of 954kg last year, leading to better overall health.
• 105 people successfully reduced their BMI to a healthy range, lowering their risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
• 84% of participants increased their physical activity levels, helping to reduce sedentary lifestyles and associated health risks.

By integrating targeted lifestyle interventions, we support patients to prevent and manage chronic conditions, reducing the need for medical interventions and enhancing their quality of life.

2. Tailored, Patient-Centred Support

We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. That’s why our programme:

• Uses personalised behaviour change strategies to help individuals develop sustainable, healthy habits.
• Offers flexible delivery options (face-to-face, online, or hybrid) to ensure accessibility.
• Provides ongoing support and motivation from expert practitioners to help participants set achievable goals and maintain progress beyond the programme.

3. A Collaborative Approach to Enhance Patient Outcomes

Our programme integrates seamlessly into primary care services, working alongside GPs, nurses, and social prescribing teams to:

• Improve patient engagement in self-care, reducing dependency on GP appointments.
• Address multiple health risk factors (e.g., obesity, inactivity, poor nutrition, and stress) in a structured and evidence-based way.
• Ease pressures on primary care by offering a proactive, preventative health solution.

4. Flexible and Scalable Commissioning Options

PCNs and GP practices can purchase places based on the number of patients they wish to refer, allowing for a scalable solution tailored to meet local demand.

• This service would support 175 patients per PCN (or from other providers) at a cost of £30,000 inclusive of VAT.
• This 12-week structured support equates to £142 per patient or £11.90 per week before VAT.
• We are happy to explore flexible funding options to ensure accessibility for those who need it most.

GP Practices, Primary Care Networks and Other Providers: Please Contact Us

We would love to explore how this programme can best support your patients and work alongside your existing healthcare initiatives. We are available for a call or meeting at your convenience.

Please contact us on [email protected]