Connect to Work programme launched in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Local initiative aims to support employment through tailored advice
A programme has been launched across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to help people overcome barriers to employment.
The Connect to Work initiative, led by Cambridgeshire County Council and CPSL Mind, is funded by the UK Government and overseen by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Connect to Work aims to assist those who may struggle with employment due to health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers.
The programme offers a wide range of personalised, one-to-one support to help individuals understand their strengths and goals, find suitable job opportunities, and remain in employment.
"It's got that focus on people who may have been suffering from health challenges and people keen to get back into work," Katy Davies, chair of the Citizen Hub in St Neots, said.
"It fits in terms of a community-based way of delivering something good to help connect people into what they ned to improve their current situation."
'Looking at the person as a whole'
Participants can receive up to twelve months of support while seeking employment and four months of in-work support.
The programme additionally helps employers develop inclusive recruitment and retention practices, providing a supportive pathway for individuals facing employment barriers.
Connect to Work is led locally by CPSL Mind, a mental health charity that brings expertise in supporting mental well-being alongside employment services.
“We know that being able to find and stay in work can have a really positive impact on people’s confidence, wellbeing and sense of purpose," Abby Glonek, access and inclusion lead at CPSL Mind, said.
"But we also understand that getting into work or staying in work isn’t always straightforward.
“Connect to Work is about looking at the person as a whole and understanding what might be getting in the way, then working alongside them to find the right support and opportunities.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority representative said, “Connect to Work brings organisations together to provide practical, tailored support across the region, while also helping employers become more inclusive.”
The programme is open to anyone aged 18 and over who meets the eligibility criteria and wants to find work.
Beyond tailored employment support, Connect to Work also hosts roadshows across the region, allowing participants to interact with the teams and learn more about the services offered.