Connect to Work is a voluntary supported-employment programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and managed by Kent County Council.
It’s designed to help people with a disability, long-term health condition, or other complex barriers to employment find and stay in work.
The programme offers:
- Up to 12 months of support for individuals who are currently out of work.
- Up to 4 months of in-work support for those already employed who need help to maintain or progress in their role.
We work with you to find a job that suits your skills and circumstances, and provide consistent in-work support to both you and your employer to ensure a smooth transition. If you're exploring self-employment, we can support that journey too.
Our core principles ensure that everyone facing disadvantage receives high quality, tailored support to succeed in a suitable job.
We also integrate the employment support into primary and secondary health services, as well as other local support networks, to provide a joined-up approach that is truly person-centred.
Individuals must be of working age and not currently enrolled in another intensive employment programme.
In addition, they must be:
- A disabled person
- Have a long term health condition including mental illness
- Have a neurodiversity
OR
- Belong to one of the following disadvantaged groups:
- Offenders or ex-offenders
- Carers or ex-carers
- Homeless individuals
- Armed Forces veterans or current personnel
- People with drug or alcohol dependencies (past or current)
- Care-experienced young people or care leavers
- Refugees (resettled Afghans or people on the Ukrainian scheme)
- Victims or survivors of domestic abuse
- Young people involved in or at risk of serious violence
- Victims of modern slavery