Image: Connect to Work Funded by UK Government logo
Connect to Work is a new, voluntary supported employment programme designed to support anyone facing complex barriers to employment to find and stay in work.
The programme is free to join and offers personalised support to help you overcome challenges, meet your aspirations and fulfil your potential.
It is funded by the UK Government as part of their Get Britain Working strategy, which aims to reform employment, health and skills support across England and Wales.
The programme is available across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, and is being led by the three local authorities to ensure that it reflects local priorities and reaches the people who need it the most.
It is being delivered locally in Torbay by Eat That Frog CIC and I Can Do That! CIC and aims to support over 800 residents while it's running.
Who can access support through the programme?
The programme is designed to support individuals to access work as well as to support those in the workplace, who may otherwise be at risk of a loss of employment, to stay in work.
You will be able to take part in Torbay's programme if:
- you are a Torbay resident.
- you are aged 18 and over (or 16 and over in exceptional circumstances).
- You have a disability, physical or mental health condition, or are experiencing other complex barriers to employment. This could include, but is not limited to, those with caring responsibilities or experiencing housing uncertainty, and care experienced individuals or care leavers.
You do not need to be receiving other support to access the programme. However, you must not be taking part in any other Department for Work and Pensions work programmes.
What support is available?
Residents
The programme will provide you with individually tailored, high quality support to help you find, maintain and thrive in well-matched employment.
Participants will be able to access dedicated in-person, one-to-one support, as well as vocational profiling, tailored job matching, and wraparound in-work support to help you succeed in your chosen role.
There is also support for those currently in work but potentially at risk of losing their job due to the same barriers.
Employers
There is also support available through the programme for employers, helping them to adopt more inclusive recruitment practices, access advice and toolkits, and to create more flexible and sustainable opportunities for local residents.
How can I register my interest?
Torbay's Connect to Work programme is free to join and is a voluntary scheme for those looking to find and keep paid-for employment.
Potential participants can fill in an expression of interest themselves or access the programme through existing support networks.
To read the full eligibility criteria, and register your interest, visit the Eat That Frog CIC website.
Where can I get more information?
If you have any specific questions about Torbay's programme, contact our Economy Team by emailing EconomyTeam@torbay.gov.uk
The Connect to Work programme is available across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay and is being delivered by Devon County Council in partnership with Torbay Council and Plymouth City Council.
If you live outside Torbay, find out more below.
- Find out more about the Connect to Work programme in the rest of Devon, on Devon County Council’s website.
- Find out more about the Connect to Work programme in Plymouth, on Plymouth City Council’s website.
Privacy notice
The Connect to Work programme is being delivered by Devon County Council in partnership with Torbay Council and Plymouth City Council. You can read the Connect to Work privacy notice on the Devon County Council website.