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What is Connect to Work?

Connect to Work is a free, voluntary employment support programme for people in Norfolk who want to work but face health, disability, or other complex barriers to employment.

It is designed for people who may need extra support to find a job, return to work, or stay in work. That could be because of a long-term health condition, disability, mental health challenge, neurodiversity, caring responsibilities, homelessness, past experiences with the criminal justice system, or another barrier that has made work feel difficult to access or sustain.

The programme is not about pushing people into any job. It is about understanding your situation, your goals, and the kind of work that could be right for you. You will be supported by an Employment Specialist who works with you one-to-one, helping you build confidence, explore opportunities, connect with employers, and get the right support in place before and after you start work.

Everything is shaped around you. Support is free, confidential, and at your pace.

Personalised support to help you find and keep good work

Connect to Work is built around the evidence-based ‘place, train and maintain’ supported employment model. This means we find you a suitable job first, then provide training and on-the-job support to help you succeed, rather than making you job-ready in a classroom before you can start.

Your Employment Specialist will work with you to:

  • Explore your strengths, skills, and work goals
  • Help you search for suitable jobs and prepare for interviews
  • Build your confidence and workplace skills
  • Connect you directly with local employers who want to hire you
  • Support you once you start – and continue to support your employer too
  • Help you return to work if you’re absent from work due to health or other challenges

Who can get support from Connect to Work?

Support is voluntary; you are never pressured to take part or to accept any job. Your Employment Specialist works at your pace.

You can take part if you live in Norfolk and are aged 18 or over, and any of the following applies to you:

  • You have a long-term health condition or disability
  • You have a mental health condition
  • You have a learning disability, or are autistic or neurodivergent
  • You are a care leaver
  • You are a military veteran
  • You have been in prison or the criminal justice system
  • You are homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • You are a refugee or asylum seeker
  • You are a victim of domestic abuse
  • You are in work but struggling to stay in work due to your health or other challenges

Part of the Government’s Get Britain Working strategy

Connect to Work is part of the Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper, which aims to achieve an 80% employment rate and break down the barriers that prevent people from finding and keeping good work.
Norfolk County Council has been awarded funding by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver the programme locally. It runs from October 2025 to March 2030.

Ready to get started?

You can refer yourself to Connect to Work, or you can be referred by someone who supports you, such as a GP, social worker, or community organisation. They can only refer you with your consent.


Refer yourself online
Email us
Call us: 0344 225 2057
Call us: 0344 225 2057