Tees Valley Combined Authority
Connect to Work aims to help people overcome barriers such as poor health to find work
A multimillion-pound programme designed to help thousands of people with health issues find work is set to launch across the Tees Valley.
The £17.6m Connect to Work scheme will offer one-to-one support to jobseekers who face barriers to employment, such as disabilities or long-term health conditions.
It will be funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and aims to help more than 5,000 people by 2030.
Tees Valley Combined Authority’s portfolio lead for education, employment and skills, Lisa Evans, said the programme was about giving people “the right help at the right time”.
“We know there are some really big barriers that can stop people from getting into work and, for many, staying in a job can be just as challenging,” added Evans, who is also the Labour leader of Stockton Council.
“That’s why it’s so important we come together on this so we can help unlock people’s strengths.”
Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the scheme would give people the support they need to succeed
Employment specialists will work with people to build a personalised plan around their needs, while providing help with CVs, applications, training, qualifications and interviews.
Connect to Work – which will be led by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with the region’s local authorities – is primed to offer a tailored package of help to match people’s job goals and needs.
It will also assist those at risk of falling out of their current jobs because they are finding it difficult to cope due to their health condition.
Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the scheme was designed to make sure people across the region had the chance to find and keep a good job.
“This is about ensuring people’s ambitions and their strengths are taken into account – and they get the support they need to succeed,” he said.
“By working hand-in-hand with lifeline local employers – who know their own industries – and health professionals, we’ll break down these barriers so as many local people as possible can get into work, stay in jobs and build livelihoods.”