Essex’s £30.7 million Connect to Work programme has reached a major milestone in its efforts to break down barriers to employment, with three specialist providers now on board.
Connect to Work offers personalised employment support to residents with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or those in priority groups.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the scheme is being delivered in partnership with local authorities and expert providers across Essex, Southend-on-Sea, and Thurrock.
The three providers confirmed to be delivering the programme in Essex are:
- Shaw Trust
- Essex Cares Limited (ECL)
- Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT)
From one-to-one coaching and skills training to job-matching services, the programme is designed to give people the confidence and opportunities they need to secure meaningful, sustainable work.
Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “We’re proud to be delivering the Connect to Work programme in Essex and it’s hugely exciting to have all three of our fantastic, expert providers now on board to support residents.
“Connect to Work will help thousands of people across Greater Essex to re-enter the workplace over the next five years, supporting those with complex barriers to employment to find good jobs.
“The programme is about employment, but also inclusion and spreading opportunity, helping residents of Greater Essex to fulfil their promise.”
Shaw Trust is a leading employment charity which helps hundreds of thousands of people who face barriers to work to achieve their full potential.
Richard Clifton, Shaw Trust Chief Commercial Officer, said: “As an employment charity, we want everyone – regardless of their background or circumstances – to find good work.
“All too often, people with disabilities and health conditions are at a disadvantage. In Essex, the latest census showed that 70,000 people have poor health, and more than double that figure have a disability. On top of that, there are fewer jobs to go round, with a jobs rate that’s below England’s average. We’re determined to help people find a way forwards.
“Over the next five years, we’re aiming to support 7,800 people across Greater Essex into work. Through accessing the right health and employment support at the right time, we can help residents find lasting, meaningful jobs that fit around their needs.”
ECL supports people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, or neurodivergence overcome barriers to work. Its supported employment services are available across Greater Essex.
Peter Fairley, ECL Managing Director, said: “ECL’s mission is to make a positive difference to people’s quality of life through its services. The Connect to Work programme mirrors this, which is why we are thrilled to be a part of the project.
“Empowering people to be as independent as possible by supporting them to achieve their goals is what we do best. Our Inclusive Employment team has a solid history of helping people achieve their ambitions of paid work.
“By offering tailored guidance, workplace training, and ongoing support to both job candidates and employers our experienced job coaches deliver outcomes that last.”
EPUT provides community health, mental health and learning disability services for more than 100,000 patients at any one time.
James Sawtell, Associate Director of Social Care at EPUT, said: “Our employment specialists have been supporting people with mental health conditions to find or retain employment for many years and we’re delighted to be part of Connect to Work to help even more people. We know how being in good quality employment can have so many positive impacts on a person’s health.
“We work with our clients to build their confidence and find good quality and fulfilling employment, where they can use their skills and talents, and also build important social connections to reduce feelings of isolation.”
EPUT has been part of Essex’s Connect to Work programme since August 2025 and has already started supporting 190 people with long term mental or physical health conditions.
Find out more and get involved in Connect to Work today at: https://www.essexopportunities.co.uk/connect-to-work/.
Connect to Work is also open to employers across Greater Essex, helping them build more inclusive workforces and access motivated, job-ready candidates.
The council is hosting a webinar for employers to find out more about the programme. Sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finding-and-supporting-talented-staff-connect-to-work-employer-webinar-tickets-1979872004462.