Connect to Work is a voluntary, supported employment programme for people in Hull and East Yorkshire who need help to get into work or stay in work.

The programme is for people who are disabled, have a health condition, or face other challenges that make work harder. You will get tailored support to move into meaningful employment.

Connect to Work also offers help to those already in work but at risk of losing their job, ensuring they can remain in secure and sustainable employment as part of the UK government’s Get Britain Working strategy.

You can apply for support yourself, be signposted by a partner organisation, or contact us as an employer.

Connect to Work

Who can get support?

To be eligible for Connect to Work you must have a disability or long-term health condition. You may also be eligible if you are in one of the specified disadvantaged groups.

In order to be suitable for Connect to Work you must -

  • Be aged 18+ (16 or 17 in exceptional circumstances) 
  • Live in Hull and East Yorkshire
  • Be motivated to find paid employment 
  • Be available to participate in Connect to Work
  • Not be on any other DWP employment support programme
  • Not be currently in employment or at risk of losing your currant job

Eligibility and suitability will be checked before you start. If you are unsure, you can still complete an Expression of Interest form and we will talk through your circumstances with you.

How it works

Getting started is easy.

  1. Complete the Expression of Interest form: Tell us a few basic details so we can understand what support you may need.
  2. Speak with our team: We will check whether the programme is right for you and explain what happens next.
  3. Meet your employment specialist: You will be matached with someone who will get to know you and build a support plan with you.
  4. Work towards your goals: We will help you prepare for, find, start and stay in work.

People who secure work through the programme will have their travel costs covered, with funding made available by Mayor Luke Campbell.

Expressions of Interest opens soon

Contact our team to find out more about Connect to Work and how we can support you. Please email connecttowork@hullandeastyorkshire.gov.uk.


Delivered in Hull and East Yorkshire

Connect to Work is free to access. There is no cost to jobseekers, employers or supported organisations.

Funded by UK governemnt, the programme is commissioned by Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority and delivered locally by Shaw Trust.

How we can help you

You will work with an employment specialist who will get to know you and help you plan your next steps.

If you are already in work

If you are working but finding it hard to stay in your job because of health, disability or other challenges, we can help you look at practical support. This includes -

  • Quick support and tailored advice
  • Changes that may make your job easier, such as adjusted equipment, a phased return or extra support
  • Coaching to manage workplace challenges
  • Help to speak with your employer, if you agree
  • Support for up to four months once you are in work

For employers

Connect to Work helps local employers recruit, retain and support staff. We can work with you to understand your vacancies, connect you with motivated candidates and support inclusive employment.

We can help you -

  • Recruit candidates who are ready and motivated to work
  • Build a more inclusive workforce
  • Support employees to stay in work
  • Identify practical adjustments and support options

Contact us about employer support by emailing connecttowork@hullandeastyorkshire.gov.uk.

For referral partners

We work with organisations across Hull and East Yorkshire that support people who may benefit from personalised employment support. These include -

  • Voluntary and community sector organisations
  • Health services
  • Local authorities
  • JobCentre Plus and other partners

Referral partners can signpost people to complete the Expression of Interest form. If someone needs help to complete the form, our triage officer can support them.


Resources

These resources can help you understand how Connect to Work supports individuals, employers and partners.

Our partners