NEWS – Groundwork Showcases Innovative Employment & Wellbeing Approaches at Salford CVS Live Well Event

Our Strategic Lead for Employment & Wellbeing, Liane Kirk, presented at the recent Salford CVS annual conference on Tuesday 21^st October 2025 which asked the question, “What would it take for everyone in Salford to Live Well?”

Liane provided some background about the Get Britain Working White Paper which sets out the UK Government’s ambition to tackle rising economic inactivity, driven largely by long-term sickness and work-limiting health conditions, which now effects around 2.8 million people across the UK. Following the White Paper, Greater Manchester was selected as a Trailblazer region, receiving £10 million to pilot integrated employment support through its Live Well mission.

Liane spoke about Groundwork’s role as a Trailblazer partner and the continuation of the Elevate Salford programme, with a clear message about the importance of working within communities, providing meaningful Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), and adopting a trauma-informed, person-centred approach to employment coaching.

She highlighted that “one size fits all is not the way forward” and instead flexibility, adaptability and strong partnerships are key to helping people move into meaningful, sustainable work as well as creating a “no wrong door” network that ensures people can access the right support when they need it.

Liane spoke about the importance of having skilled and trained Employment Specialists as well as engaging employers in future programme delivery, discussing everything from creating bespoke programmes or delivering insight sessions and regular work placements.

She shared the impact of Groundwork’s approach using the words of participants:

“Just to let you know, I got the job! Thank you so much for your help.” – Paul, April 2025

“The coaching really helped me. I felt more confident… Everyone at work has commented on the way I dress in the office!” – June, 2025

“Thanks for everything, you’ve helped me more than you’ll know.” – Lee, October 2025

For the VCSE sector, Liane emphasised the importance of evidencing impact, strengthening partnerships, and influencing policy through collaborative, evidence-based delivery. Her presentation closed with a call for sustained investment and integrated services so that lives can continue to be transformed across Greater Manchester.