Connect to Work
What is Connect to Work?
Connect to Work is a voluntary employment programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that helps people facing barriers to employment find, secure and sustain meaningful work.
The programme supports disabled people, those with long-term health conditions, and individuals experiencing complex challenges that can make it harder to access employment.
It can also help people who are already in work but need support to stay in their job.
Across Lincolnshire, Connect to Work delivers personalised support through proven Supported Employment approaches, helping people move into work, build confidence and develop long-term independence.
The programmes run for 12 months, offering long-term support for participants.
How does Connect to Work, work?
Connect to Work follows a supported employment approach often described as "Place, Train, Maintain".
This means participants are supported to:
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Identify their strengths, skills, interests and employment goals
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Find the right job opportunities with local employers
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Prepare for and secure employment
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Receive tailored support once in work to help them succeed and progress
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Access ongoing guidance for as long as needed to sustain employment
Support is person-centred, flexible and tailored to individual circumstances, recognising that everyone's journey into work is different.
Who can Connect to Work support?
Through the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, Connect to Work can support people who face barriers to employment, including:
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People with disabilities or long-term health conditions, including mental health conditions
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Carers
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Ex-offenders
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People experiencing homelessness
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Members of the armed forces community
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Individuals affected by substance dependency
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Refugees and victims of modern slavery
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Victims of domestic abuse
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Young people at risk of serious violence
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Individuals who identify with the Social Model of Disability
Through the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) model, Connect to Work also provides specialist support for:
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People with learning disabilities
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People with learning difficulties
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Individuals with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
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Neurodivergent individuals
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Care-experienced young people and adults
Connect to Work in Lincolnshire
Clip, Acis Group’s education charity, is proud to be the Lead Partner for Connect to Work across Lincolnshire, working alongside a network of experienced local organisations to deliver the programme in every district of the county.
The programme is being delivered through two specialist partnerships:
IPS Delivery Partners
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Acis Services
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Riverside Training
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Abbey Access
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Lincolnshire Action Trust
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Green Synergy
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YMCA
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Lincoln City Foundation
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First College
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Development Plus
SEQF Delivery Partners
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Acis Services
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Riverside Training
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Abbey Access
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Pelican Trust
Together, these partnerships will support more than 900 Lincolnshire residents into employment over the next three years, helping people overcome barriers, access opportunities and achieve positive long-term outcomes.
Why choose Connect to Work?
Connect to Work is built on evidence-based supported employment models that have been proven to help people gain and retain employment.
Participants receive dedicated, one-to-one support, while employers benefit from guidance, recruitment support and ongoing assistance to create inclusive workplaces.
Whether you're looking for work, worried about staying in work, or supporting someone who could benefit from specialist employment support, Connect to Work is here to help.
Ready to get started?
To apply for help from Connect to Work, please complete the form on the following link:
https://lincolnshirectwapi.evolutive.co.uk/form/anonymousform/691df100fc2a0203851eeb07?&redirecturl=
If you need support to complete this form, or if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, we may still be able to help you. Please email ConnecttoWork@lincolnshire.gov.uk.