Connect To Work

Connect to Work is a free, personalised employment support service delivered by Southampton City Council’s Employment Support Team. The service supports people who may be experiencing health conditions, disabilities or other barriers that are making it difficult to find, return to or remain in employment.

Connect to Work are now working in partnership with Southampton Sea City Partnership. Within the team we now have two dedicated Employment Specialists (called Ashley and Sophie) who work alongside health services using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach. This means employment and health support can work together, recognising the positive role that suitable, meaningful employment can play in people’s lives.

Support is voluntary and tailored to the individual, focusing on their strengths, circumstances, interests and employment goals.

How they support you?

An Employment Specialist can support you with:

• Exploring the type of work that is right for you 
• Identifying your strengths, skills and employment goals 
• Looking for suitable paid employment 
• CVs, job applications and interview preparation 
• Accessing training, developing new skills and work experience 
• Building confidence around returning to or starting work 
• Ongoing support once you start employment 
• Support if you are already working but are at risk of losing your job

Who is eligible for Connect to Work?

You may be eligible for Connect to Work if you:

• Are aged 18 or over. In some circumstances, support may also be available to young people aged 16–17 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).  
• Are unemployed, economically inactive, or currently in work but at risk of losing your job because of a health condition or other barrier.  
• Have the right to live and work in the UK.  
• Are not currently taking part in another Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) funded employment programme e.g. RESTART.  
• Are available and willing to take part in Connect to Work support, including attending appointments and being available to start work.  
• Are motivated to find employment or engage with support to help you remain in work. 

Connect to Work is designed for people who may face additional barriers to employment. This can include:

• People with a disability or long-term health condition 
• Offenders or ex-offenders 
• Carers or former carers 
• People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness 
• Veterans, reservists or partners of Armed Forces personnel 
• People with a history of drug or alcohol dependency 
• Care leavers or people with care experience 
• Refugees or people on resettlement schemes 
• Victims or survivors of domestic abuse or modern slavery 
• Young people at risk of serious violence

You do not need to be claiming benefits to receive support through Connect to Work.

Their aim is not simply to help you find any job, but to support you towards meaningful, sustainable employment that matches your goals and preferences.

How can I access support?

If you are a patient at a Southampton Sea City Partnership and feel that employment support could help you, there are two ways to find out more:

• Speak to a member of your GP practice team, who can refer you for support. 
• Refer yourself directly to Connect to Work by completing their Connect to Work Expression of Interest form. 

Learn more about Connect to Work

Once they receive your Expression of Interest, the Connect to Work team can discuss your circumstances and employment goals with you and explore whether the service is right for you.

Not sure if you're eligible? You can still speak to your GP practice team or complete the Expression of Interest form. The Connect to Work team can discuss your circumstances with you and confirm whether the service is suitable for your needs.

Whether you are looking for work, thinking about returning to employment, or need support to stay in your current job, Connect to Work can help you take your next steps towards employment.

Published: Nov 11, 2026