Connect to Work
Opening doors to brighter futures
Everyone deserves the chance to find work that feels right for them, and Connect to Work is here to help make that happen. This friendly, personalised programme supports people to move into work, stay in work, and build confidence along the way.
What does Connect to Work do?
Connect to Work gives people tailored support to take their next step towards employment. That might mean building confidence, exploring job options, getting ready for applications and interviews, planning workplace adjustments, or having someone alongside them once they start a new role.
Who is Connect to Work for?
The programme is for people who are disabled, have a long-term health condition, or face extra barriers that make getting or keeping a job more challenging. It can support people who are looking for work, as well as people already in work who may need help to stay there.
Why should VCSEs get excited?
VCSE organisations are often the first friendly face people turn to for support. That means they are perfectly placed to help local people discover Connect to Work, feel confident about taking part, and access the right support at the right time.
Getting involved could be as simple as spreading the word, spotting people who may benefit, supporting referrals, sharing local insight, or working with delivery partners to make the programme welcoming, inclusive and easy to access.
Why does it matter?
Work can be more than a payslip, it can bring purpose, confidence, connection and independence. Connect to Work matters because it gives people the right support, in the right way, so more people can take positive steps towards a future that works for them.
Who can apply?
The Connect to Work Programme may be available if any of these experiences relate to them:
- Living with a health condition or disability.
- Caring for someone, now or in the past.
- Having lived in care, or recently left care.
- Experiencing or has experienced homelessness.
- Having experienced domestic abuse.
- Being a young person at risk of serious violence.
- Serving a community sentence or having been in prison.
- Having served in the Armed Forces, or being the partner of someone who has.
- Having experienced drug or alcohol difficulties.
- Being a refugee, part of the Afghan resettlement scheme, or in the UK under the Ukrainian scheme.
- Having experienced modern slavery.
For any enquiries, please contact Connect to Work Integration Officer, Michelle Lahey on 01782 683030 or email michelle.lahey@vast.org.uk.
