Connect to Work is a voluntary Supported Employment programme to help disabled people, those with health conditions and individuals with complex barriers to employment, find and stay in work.
Connect to Work provides intensive, one-to-one support delivered by Employment Specialists.
Supported Employment is different to traditional models of Employment Support in that it focuses on placing participants into work at the earliest opportunity and provides ongoing support to help them succeed.
This intensive one to one support ensures participants can start working quickly while receiving the necessary assistance to overcome barriers.
Supported Employment helps individuals gain employment but also empowers them to maintain their jobs and thrive in the workplace.
Connect to Work services available across the West Midlands
Connect to Work is a free, one-to-one supported employment programme in Birmingham. We help you prepare for work, find the right role, and stay supported once you start.
Delivered by a local partnership led by Better Pathways, working alongside organisations including The BUSY Group, FareShare Midlands, Disability Resource Centre (DRC) and The Colebridge Trust.
Together, we create clear routes into meaningful, sustainable work with practical support before and after you start.
For further information: Please visit www.betterpathways.org.uk/connect-to-work/ or contact the team at BirminghamC2W@birmingham.gov.uk
Connect to Work is a voluntary programme funded by the UK Government to support disabled people or people with health conditions, and individuals with complex barriers to move into and maintain employment.
It will also provide support to those in work but at risk of losing their employment, helping them to retain their jobs.
For further information: Please visit Register for support from the Job Shop – Connect to work or contact the team at jobshop@coventry.gov.uk
Connect to Work is here for you, real support, no judgement, run by a team that listens.
We’re a new local programme for Adults aged 18+ in Dudley who are unemployed, facing health challenges, or just need a bit of help to get back on track. Whether you’re a care leaver, dealing with anxiety, or simply unsure what’s next, we’ve got your back.
For further information: Please visit DudleyCI or contact the team at connect2work@dudley.gov.uk
Connect to Work is funded by the UK Government and is a 12-month, voluntary employment programme for people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and those with more complex barriers to finding paid employment.
Connect to Work is available for unemployed people who need support to find paid work, and employed people who are at risk of losing their job due to their disability.
For further information: Please visit Connect to Work Supported Employment Programme or contact the team at SET_enquiries@sandwell.gov.uk
The Employment and Skills Team are on hand to help you progress into employment or learning. If you are looking for work or further training, we can provide you with information and advice to help you make that career move.
We support residents to gain the skills and training to make the most of opportunities in the borough. Provide your contact details to the Employment and Skills Team and a member of our team will get in touch with you.
For further information: Please visit jobs-and-training/employment-and-skills/jobseekers or contact the team at employmentteam@solihull.gov.uk
Connect to Work is a free and voluntary employment programme for people who have a disability, long-term health condition or other barriers that make finding or keeping a job more difficult.
Delivered by Walsall Works, the programme provides one-to-one support from a dedicated Employment Advisor. Your Employment Advisor will work with you to:
- understand your goals and identify any challenges
- help you move into paid employment, or stay in work
For further information: Please visit Connect to Work | Walsall Council or contact the team at WalsallWorks@walsall.gov.uk
The Wolves at Work Supported Employment team provide a person-centred service for people with disabilities and/or learning difficulties who are ready to go into work but who may require that extra bit of support in their journey to paid employment
The Supported Employment team offer a range of tailored support which is centred to the individual needs, interests and wishes of its service users.
The Work Coaches are on hand to offer advice and guidance to individuals with disabilities who have the desire and passion to find employment. Work opportunities can start from as little as two hours a week right through to full time hours.
For further information: Please visit Supported Employment | Organisations | Directory | Workbox or contact the team at wolvesatwork@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Shaw Trust are delivering Connect to Work Services, commissioned by WMCA, in Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
As a national employment focused charity, Shaw Trust supports and empowers people to find and thrive in meaningful work. We provide personalised wrap-around support to develop employment pathways and enable individuals to realise their full potential.
We achieve this by working closely with like-minded partners and community-based organisations to deliver localised projects that better engage and support individuals achieve happier healthier and more resilient lives; and work collectively to drive greater social value outcomes for the communities that we serve.
For further information: Please visit Connect to Work or contact the team at connecttoworkblackcountry@shaw-trust.org.uk
Connect to Work referral partners
Referral partners play a vital role in Connect to Work. Through strong partnerships with health services, local authorities, community organisations and voluntary sector providers, partners can identify and engage people who would benefit most from tailored employment support.
These trusted relationships help ensure individuals receive the right support at the right time, creating a seamless journey from referral through to sustained employment.
Organisations and partners wishing to refer into Connect to Work services can contact the local teams to explore opportunities and discuss suitable referral routes.
Alternatively, referral partners can contact WMCA by emailing ConnectToWork@wmca.org.uk for more information.
Connect to Work for employers
Connect to Work works closely with employers across a range of sectors to create pathways into sustainable employment for local people.
Employer partners play a vital role by offering opportunities, sharing expertise and helping to shape inclusive recruitment practices. Together with Employers, Connect to Work supports individuals with disabilities, health conditions and other barriers to employment to find and retain jobs that match their skills, interests and ambitions.
By building strong relationships with employers, Connect to Work can provide tailored support before, during and after employment, helping both businesses and employees achieve long-term success.
For more information email please contact local services or email ConnectToWork@wmca.org.uk