West Londoners with joint, bone, or muscle pain could access free support including gym membership, physiotherapy and 1:1 job coaching, as new support service launches.
West London Alliance has commissioned employment charity Shaw Trust to launch MSK Trailblazers, a new support service offering free gym membership, physiotherapy, and 1:1 job coaching to residents with joint, bone, or muscle conditions.
No diagnosis is required to access the free support, which people can apply for on the Shaw Trust website until the 30th September: https://shawtrust.org.uk/msk-trailblazer
Offering up to 6 months free gym membership and NHS physio as well as 1:1 employment and health support from a dedicated coach, the service is available for anyone who is:
- Over 18 years old
- Unemployed or off work sick
- Living with joint, bone, or muscle conditions, including chronic back, muscle, or joint pain, or mobility issues.
- Living in or has a GP or Job Centre Plus in Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hounslow, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are a leading cause of workplace sickness and unemployment, accounting for 15.5% of all minor illness cases.
Research shows that good work offers numerous health and wellbeing benefits, but currently, more than 12,000 West London residents with MSK conditions are not working or looking for work. The new service aims to help more people into work with health and wellbeing support that is tailored to the person.
Paul Nicholas, Head of Service Delivery at Shaw Trust, said: “The research is clear: good work is good for our health and wellbeing, reducing poverty and social isolation, and improving quality of life”. At Shaw Trust, we believe that these benefits should be accessible to all, but health issues can be a real barrier to finding and keeping good work.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be offering this package of support for West London residents. It’s voluntary and completely free, and can help people develop their skills, manage their condition and find work that fits around their life.”
If you would like to apply for this free service, please visit: https://shawtrust.org.uk/msk-trailblazer
The deadline for applications is Tuesday 30th September 2025.
