Southwark Council has launched Connect to Work — a new service to help local residents find and thrive in meaningful work.
Connect to Work will support over 2,000 residents across the borough who face health conditions, disabilities, or other personal challenges.
It will link employment with people’s health and wellbeing through tailored support and include:
- Personalised support: Small caseloads mean residents get tailored help to find jobs that match their skills and aspirations.
- Employer partnerships: The team works closely with businesses to offer expert advice on reasonable adjustments and inclusive hiring.
- Sustained success: Support doesn’t stop once someone gets a job — ongoing coaching and training help ensure long-term success.
The Connect to Work team will work with GP surgeries, social prescribers, and community health services to ensure residents can manage their health while staying in work. Support is also available for those whose employment is at risk due to poor health or personal challenges.
Connect to Work is funded by Government and delivered as part of Southwark’s pioneering Southwark Works employment support programme.
Cllr John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, said: “Over the past 20 years, Southwark Works has successfully supported thousands of residents who face significant barriers into employment, offering valuable advice and helping them access meaningful jobs where they can thrive.
“Connect to Work will further improve our local employment support by strengthening partnerships with local employers and integrating with Southwark’s health services.
“This will ensure that residents with health conditions or disabilities receive the tailored support they need to secure well-paid jobs and sustainable employment.”
For more information about Connect to Work email connecttowork@southwark.gov.uk
Connect to Work part of a wider initiative led by Central London Forward, bringing together 12 local authorities to help more people in central London access and stay in work.
Senior Programmes Manager of Central London Forward, Liz Millington, said: "The programme will allow us to build on the success of previous CLF programmes which have helped over 20,000 residents into employment since 2018. Connect to Work represents a large-scale expansion of the Supported Employment ‘place and train’ model which we know has been very successful in test programmes, including in central London and has a strong evidence base internationally and in existing programmes.
“We are looking forward to working closely with our partners in the NHS, local councils, employers and local charities to improve access to the labour market across central London."
Later this year, the Connect to Work team will move into a brand-new Southwark Works hub in Peckham, creating a vibrant space where employment and health services will come together to better serve the community.