Connect to Work
Local authorities in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin are looking to work with organisations across this geography to reach individuals facing significant barriers to employment.
Connect to Work is a voluntary supported employment programme funded by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). It seeks to help participants, including those with disabilities, health conditions, and complex personal challenges, with a tailored programme of support to overcome obstacles to employment, and sustain long-term careers.
The programme will launch later this year, and the local authorities want to work collaboratively to form local partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure the programme meets the needs of individuals across all three counties.
Councillor Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council said:
We would like to hear from anyone who is already supporting or working with individuals facing barriers to work and would benefit from this support.
Services working with disabled people, people with health conditions and other complex barriers to employment (this includes organisations that support veterans, care leavers, those who are homeless and ex-offenders) are encouraged to contact us to help support the programme’s success. Through their help we can make sure we reach those individuals who could benefit.
We want this programme to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of individuals facing these challenges.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment & Skills, said:
Connect to Work will help people break down those barriers which hinder them from finding employment and give them a foothold in the workplace.
We’re pleased to be working in partnership with organisations across the region to launch this programme and make a difference for our residents to help them achieve their employment goals.
In Telford and Wrekin, we are committed to helping people find work through our Job Box service and providing help and support to those who need it the most.
Any organisation able to offer advice and support or wanting to find out more should contact [email protected]
A short webinar outlining the programme is also planned for Tuesday 11 February and anyone wishing for more information or to attend should also email [email protected]
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/connect-to-work
