The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has welcomed a new delivery partner into the Connectto Work programme, designed to help break down barriers which can prevent people from finding good, secure jobs. The aim for this year is for at least 770 people in the region to have taken up tailored employment support through Connect to Work, with a goalof almost 4,000 people supported by the end of the programme in 2030.
Launchedin April, Connect to Work is part of the UK Government’s Get Britain Working package, backed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). This new, tailoredsupport from DWP is intended to help disabled people and those with health conditions or complex barriers get access to valuable advice and support.
The Restore Trust will join existing partners The BUSY Group and North Bristol NHS Trust, as wellas the Regional Employment Service, adding over 130 new specialist support places to the scheme. The organisation’s experience in helping ex-offenders move into rewarding employment will bring valuable new expertise to the programme.
The BUSY Group are an experienced supported employment provider and lead organisation of a groupincluding Ashley Community Housing, Brandon Trust, and Better Pathways. They will be delivering 618 supported places on the programme.
North Bristol NHS Trust are an employer-based project with access to over 350 careers across multiplesectors, aligned with the Trust’s objective of building a diverse workforce from entry level and above. They will be delivering a further 88 places.
Disabled people and those with health conditions or complex barriers to work can self-refer by completingthe ‘speak to us’ form, or be referred through various routes including healthcare professionals, local councils, and voluntary sector partners.
A newSkills Strategy has been announced for the West of England, aimed at creating a more joined up employment and skills system and tackling the challenges holdingpeople back, such as health, transport, and caring responsibilities. It will empower more residents with the necessary skills to access jobs in the country’s fastest-growing regional economy – improving life chances, supporting social mobility, and liftingchildren and families out of poverty.
Helen Godwin, Mayor for the West of England said:
“Through Connect to Work and our wider employment support programmes, we want everyone regardlessof their background or circumstances to have the confidence, support, and opportunity to access jobs and build careers.
“I’m pleased to welcome The Restore Trust as a new partner in our line-up of providers. Theirexpertise is going to help even more people to find the right support and take positive steps towards employment.”
Chris Scriven, Director of Education at The Restore Trust, said:
“We are proud to be joining the Connect to Work programme and to be playing a part in helpingpeople across the West of England overcome barriers to employment. Employment can be transformational. It provides purpose, stability, financial independence and a route to a better future.
“Through our work with people leaving prison and others facing significant challenges, we haveseen first-hand how the right support at the right time can change lives.
“We look forward to bringing our experience, employer networks and through-the-gate approachto Connect to Work, helping more people move into sustainable employment and supporting employers to access talented individuals who are ready to succeed.”
Mark Hamilton, Head of Operations & Finance from The Busy Group said:
“Through our work on the Connect to Work programme, and in collaboration with our trusted partners,we’re committed to helping people overcome barriers and move towards sustainable, meaningful employment.
“By providing tailored, person-centred support, we aim to build confidence, develop skills, andcreate real opportunities for individuals to thrive in the workplace. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that is making a tangible difference across the region.”
Maria Kane, Chief Executive for Bristol NHS Group, said:
“Through initiatives like Connect to Work, we’re able to support members of our community tostart careers they may not otherwise have access to, which hugely benefits both our hospitals and our wider community. As an organisation, we’re committed to continuing to improve employment opportunities within our hospitals for people from all backgrounds.
“We’re delighted that the programme is continuing to expand, providing meaningful opportunitiesand support to even more people.”
Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council; Councillor Tony Dyer, Leaderof Bristol City Council and Deputy Mayor of the West of England; Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council; Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, and Councillor Ian Boulton, Co-Leader of South Gloucestershire Council,said in a joint statement:
“We’re delighted that The Restore Trust have joined Connect to Work, as the latest delivery partner with The BUSY Group and North Bristol NHS Trust.
“Together, with all of our partners, we’re committed to ensuring that residents facing disadvantage can have access to the right support. This person-centred approach will helpmore residents across the region secure sustainable employment, improve wellbeing, and get their lives back on track through meaningful work.“
