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This programme is for people who face extra challenges getting into or staying in work. You might be eligible for support if:

• 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
  • people with learning difficulties or autism
  • refugees or people with limited English
  • ex-offenders or those recently released from prison

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

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

Not currently in work?

You’ll receive up to 9 months of support (or up to 12 months if you have a learning disability or more complex needs).

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 º£½Ç»»ÆÞ by a network of trusted local organisations. These partners were chosen for their expertise in:

• supported employment and disability inclusion
• vocational coaching and job brokerage
• 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 job coach 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 º£½Ç»»ÆÞ 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 a job coach 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 – checking in regularly to help you settle, deal with any issues, and stay in work
• this could include coaching, advocacy with your employer, or advice around travel and workplace adjustments

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 º£½Ç»»ÆÞ, Connect to Work is part of the national Get Britain Working strategy and contributes to our local Get º£½Ç»»ÆÞ Working approach – supporting people into sustainable, meaningful employment and helping to build a more inclusive workforce for our county.