Information for participants
What is Connect to Work?
Connect to work is a new free and voluntary programme designed to help people in Swindon and
Wiltshire who are finding it hard to start or stay in work due to health conditions, disabilities, or other
barriers.
Connect to Work offers personalised, one-to-one coaching and support. With a flexible, understanding
approach focusing on your strengths, goals and what matters to you most.
If you are currently out of work or in a job that you’re struggling with Connect to Work is here to help you
find good work quickly – with free, personalised job support.
How it works
- We will help you find the right job by focusing on your strengths and skills.
- We will get you into paid work quickly and help you keep it.
- We will support you if you are currently working and struggling to keep your job.
- We will work with an employer to make sure you get the support you need.
- We’ll provide benefits calculations to make sure you’re financially better off in work.
- If you are out of work –
We can offer you support for 12 months to find work and in work support for 4 months once you successfully start your new role. - If you are in work –
If you are currently in work but experiencing challenges or difficulties, we can offer you 4 months of support to retain your job.
How do I qualify?
- Aged 18 years or older – discretion given to those aged 16 or 17 under certain circumstances, please contact us for more information)
- Have a disability, long term health condition or other barrier to work – as defined by Section 6 of the Equality Act 2010or using the Social Model of Disability.
- Have the right to live and work in the UK. In the UK, you have a right to work if you are:-
- A British or Irish citizen
- Have settled/pre-settled status (via the EU Settlement Scheme)
- Hold valid immigration permission (e.g., indefinite leave, a visa).
- Potential participants who DO NOT have access to public funds are not eligible for the Connect to Work programme.
- Currently out of work or struggling in your current job
- Out of work for 6 months or more.
- Individual is employed but has a health condition or barrier that means they need support to stay in work.
- Motivated to find work during your time of the programme
- You must be motivated and willing to find paid work of at least 7 hours a week.
- Not on another DWP funded employment programme
- For example: WorkWell or Restart
- This will be checked prior to joining Connect to Work.
- Available to engage in the Connect to Work programme
- The programme offers 12 months of support to find and secure employment.
If you are unsure about any of the eligibility criteria please contact the Connect to Work team who can talk you through anything. As this is a UK Government funded programme, The Department for Work and Pensions will verify your eligibility before joining the programme.
How can I refer myself or an individual onto the programme?
Please complete our contact form