Connect to Work

Personalised support to help you build confidence, overcome challenges and move into employment. 

What is Connect to Work?

Connect to Work is a free programme that helps people living with long-term health conditions, disabilities, and other challenges to move into and maintain work.

Do I qualify?

Find work that fits you

We understand everyone’s situation is different; the main thing is that you are really motivated to look for work. You may be facing challenges with your health, confidence, skills, or personal circumstances.  

Our support is tailored to you, with help from an employment specialist available for up to 12 months.  We work at your pace and focus on what matters most to you.

We can help you:

  • Understand your strengths and skills
  • Build confidence
  • Search for the right jobs for you
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Start and stay in work
  • Get the correct support from your employer

How it works

How it works

Get in touch directly with Connect to Work

Busy Group deliver Connect to Work on behalf the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and are your first point of contact as an individual or if someone is helping you get in touch.
Email: connecttowork-weca@thebusygroup.org.uk

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How it works

Speak with an advisor

We’ll talk to you about Connect to Work and help you understand if it’s the right programme for you. If not, we’ll connect you with other programmes that may be more suitable.

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How it works

Get the support you need

We’ll work with you to understand your needs and interests, and put the support in place to help you progress towards work.

How it works

Work with employers

We’ll work with new employers or your current employer to explore jobs and opportunities that work for you.

How it works

Move into or maintain work

We’ll support you to find a new job or help you get the support you need in your current job.

How it works

Support you once in work

We’ll continue to help once you’re in work. We’ll work with your employer to make sure you get the support needed to do your job well and maintain employment.

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Who can get support?

You may be able to join Connect to Work if you:

  • Are aged 18 or over
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK
  • Live in the West of England (Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire)
  • Are not currently in paid work, or at risk of dropping out because your needs are not being met
  • Need extra support to find or keep a job
  • You are not already participating in another government-funded employment programme
  • Have barriers to work because you are living with a disability, long-term health condition or are facing other challenges. Including:
    • Carers or former carers
    • Those serving community service or have completed community service/custodial sentences
    • Those who are homeless
    • Former members of HM Armed Forces, members of HM Armed Forces Reserves or partners of former/current Armed Forces personnel
    • Those with, or a history of, drug and alcohol dependency
    • Care-experienced young people or care leavers
    • Those who are refugees, resettled Afghans or are on the Ukrainian scheme
    • Victims/survivors of domestic abuse or modern slavery
    • Young people at risk of being involved in serious violence

If you are still unsure, get in touch email: connecttowork-weca@thebusygroup.org.uk