ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ

Residents

Connect to Work supports people who need more intensive support to find and stay in work. This could be due to a disability, long-term health condition or having multiple barriers to employment. You can get help for up to 12 months. They will work with you one-to-one to help you find work.

Connect to Work is a new, free programme for people in ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ facing barriers like:

• you have a disability or long-term health condition (physical or mental health)
• you’re currently out of work or at risk of losing your job
• you’re aged 18 or over (some 16 to 17-year-olds may be eligible)
• you have the right to live and work in the UK

You are part of a group that might need extra support, such as:

• Armed Forces veterans
• young people who’ve left care
• Carer
• Homeless
• Drug or alcohol dependency  
• A victim of domestic abuse  
• people with learning difficulties or autism
• refugees or people with limited English
• ex-offenders or those recently released from prison
• a young person at risk of being involved in violence  

If you're unsure if you qualify, get in touch – we’ll talk it through with you.

We’ll help you find the right job by focusing on your strengths.

We’ll get you into paid work quickly and help you keep it.

We’ll support you if you are currently working and struggling to keep your job.

We’ll work with an employer to make sure you get the support you need.

We’ll work closely with health teams to make sure you get joined-up support for your health, wellbeing and your job.

We’ll provide benefits calculations to make sure you’re financially better off in work

We use a supported employment approach that’s personalised to your needs.

Not currently in work?

You’ll receive up to 12  months of help

At risk of losing your job?

You can access 4 months of focused help to stay in work and manage any issues affecting your role.

Connect to Work is delivered across ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ by a network of trusted local organisations. These partners were chosen for their expertise in:

• supported employment and disability inclusion
• vocational coaching and job placement
• working with employers who are committed to inclusive hiring
• providing health and wellbeing support for people with long-term conditions

You’ll be matched with the most appropriate local provider depending on your needs and where you live – and they’ll remain your main point of contact throughout.

When you join Connect to Work, you’ll be partnered with a dedicated Employment Specialist who will work with you on a one-to-one basis. You won’t be passed from service to service – instead, you’ll have someone by your side to guide you through every step.

We’re working with experienced providers across ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ who specialise in helping people overcome barriers to work. These providers understand the local jobs market, have links with inclusive employers, and know how to support people with health conditions, disabilities, or life challenges into work and beyond.

Each participant receives a tailored employment support plan.

You’ll receive personalised support as we help you Connect to Work, with a tailored employment support plan that includes:  

Personalised advice and planning:

• you'll meet regularly with an Employment Specialist to set goals and build your confidence
• together, you’ll identify your strengths, needs, and interests
• your plan will be built around what you want – whether that’s finding work, staying in your current job, or exploring something new

Skills and confidence building:

• help developing your CV, job applications, and interview techniques
• support to build your communication, time management, and workplace skills
• access to training or qualifications, where needed

Health and wellbeing support:

• help managing health conditions or disabilities in the workplace
• links to local health services, wellbeing support, and occupational health professionals
• advice on workplace adjustments or reasonable accommodations

Finding the right job for you:

• fast-tracked support to connect with inclusive local employers
• help preparing for interviews or work trials
• option to explore self-employment or supported volunteering if that’s right for you

Ongoing in-work support:

• once you start a job, your coach will continue supporting you with; regularly check ins, helping you to settle into the role, problem solving, learning all aspects of the role, sustainment and development in the role
• this will also include support for the employer around understanding your needs and any adjustments you might require

Connect to Work offers personalised, one-to-one support designed around you.

With a flexible, understanding approach and strong links to inclusive local employers, this programme gives you the tools, confidence, and connections to take your next step.

Available across ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ, Connect to Work is part of the national Get Britain Working strategy and contributes to our local Get ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Working approach – supporting people into sustainable, meaningful employment and helping to build a more inclusive workforce for our county.

Helping you build a stronger, more inclusive workforce

Whether you’re looking to fill a vacancy or support someone already on your team, we’re here to help.

Why work with us?

We can:

• access a pool of motivated, job-ready candidates
• improve staff retention and wellbeing
• build a more inclusive and diverse workplace
• all at no cost to your business

What we offer employers

We offer:

• match you with the right candidates to fit your business needs
• provide ongoing 1:1 support to you and your employees so they can settle in and thrive
• offer expert advice on reasonable adjustments and inclusive practices
• support existing staff who may be struggling with health or personal challenges
• help reduce recruitment costs by getting it right the first time