What is Connect to Work?

Delivered in partnership with Eat That Frog CIC and funded by UK Government, Connect to Work provides one-to-one support for individuals across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
Personalised job matching and in-work help for as long as you need it. 

Connect to work supports people who want to work but need tailored support to get there.

We focus on real jobs, inclusive employers and support that continues after you start work.

What to expect…

Connect to Work is built around you.  Support is personalised, voluntary and focused on helping you move into paid work in a way that feels right for you.

 Here is what the journey usually looks like:

 Getting started:

 Once you are referred, a friendly Employment Specialist will get in touch to introduce themselves and talk through what support is available.

 The first step is about:

 Getting to know you.

 Understand what you want from work.

 Checking that Connect to Work is the right fit for you.

 There is no pressure and no judgment. This is your choice.

Understanding you & your goals

 You will work one-to-one with your Employment Specialist to build a clear picture of what matters to you.

Together you will:

 Talk about your skills, interests and strengths.

 Discuss any health, wellbeing or life factors that might affect work.

 Create a simple, personalised plan based on your goals.

 This plan is flexible and can change as things develop.

Working with employers

 Your Employment Specialist will start speaking to employers on your behalf or support you to do this yourself if you prefer.

 This includes:

 Finding employers who offer inclusive and supportive workplaces.

 Talking through any adjustments or flexibility you may need.

 Making sure roles are realistic, paid and right for you.

You will not be pushed into jobs that do not suit you.

Finding the right job

 When opportunities come up, your Employment Specialist will help match you to roles that fit your goals, skills and preferences.

 Support may include:

Searching and applying for jobs.

 Preparing for interviews or informal meetings.

 Exploring different ways of working, including part time or flexible hours.

 The focus is on finding work that works for you, not just getting a job quickly.

Support when you start work:

 Support does not stop once you start a job.  Your Employment Specialist will stay in touch for as long as you need.

 This can include:

 Help settling into your role.

 Support with workplace adjustments.

 Liaising with your employer if needed.

 Planning next steps or future progression.

 The aim is to help you feel confident, supported, and settled at work.

Key Facts

Barrier/disability:

• Disability or long term health condition
• Severe and enduring mental health condition
• Learning disability and/or autism
• Carer or ex-carer
• Ex-offender
• Homeless or in temporary accommodation
• Veteran
• Drug or alcohol dependancy
• Care experienced or care leaver
• Refugee, Afghan resettler or Ukrainian scheme
• Survivor of domestic abuse
• At risk of serious violence
• Victim of modern slavery

How do I start?

It’s easy, just reach out to us, or complete the Expression of Interest form on the link below.
We’ll contact you for an informal chat to see how best we can help.

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 Employer Benefits:

Employing someone who needs additional support is not about lowering expectations. It’s about unlocking potential, strengthening your workforce and building a more inclusive business.

Wider Talent Pool:

Access skilled, motivated individuals who are often overlooked due to misconceptions or barriers. By focusing on ability rather than disability, you can fill roles with people who are ready and eager to contribute.

Increased innovation and productivity:

Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives, different ways of thinking and creative problem – solving. Inclusive workplaces consistently benefit from improved performance and new ideas. 

Improved retention and morale:

Supporting employees with health conditions or additional needs helps people stay in work for longer. This reduces staff turnover, builds loyalty and create a more committed workforce.

Enhanced reputation:

Demonstrate positive leadership within your community as a fair, responsible and inclusive employer. This strengthens your brand and builds trust with customers, partners and future employees.

Free resources and ongoing support:

Gain access to practical guidance, tools and advice to support inclusive employment. We help you navigate available support and make the process clear and manageable.

Better understanding across your workforce:

Inclusive employment helps build awareness, confidence and understanding around disability and mental health. This leads to a more supportive, respectful workplace for everyone.

Fair and accessible recruitment:

Commit to inclusive recruitment practices by offering interviews to candidates who meet essential criteria and making reasonable adjustments. This ensures fairness while helping you find the right person for the role.

Disability Confident

I Can do That! can support and advise you, as an employer, to become a recognised ‘Disability Confident’ Employer.