Connect to Work - Supported employment

If you're looking for work or finding it difficult to stay in your current job, Connect to Work offers personalised support to help you move forward.

This free, voluntary programme is designed for people who are out of work due to a health condition, disability, or long term barriers as well as those who are at risk of losing their job and need extra support to remain in employment.

Connect to Work puts you at the centre of the process, offering one to one guidance that fits around your life, goals, and wellbeing.

How Connect to Work can help

Personalised support

You'll work with a dedicated job coach who will get to know your strengths, goals, and circumstances. Together, you'll build a plan that supports your journey into work.

Help to find the right job

We'll help you explore job roles that match your skills, interests, and wellbeing needs, taking a tailored approach rather than "one size fits all."

Ongoing in-work support

Support continues even after you start your job. Your job coach will help you settle in, learn your role, and build confidence so you can stay in employment.

Employer engagement and workplace support

We work directly with employers to promote inclusive recruitment and ensure any workplace adjustments are in place to help you succeed.

Joining Connect to Work

Connect to Work is available to Gateshead residents who:

• Are currently out of work or at risk of losing their job
• Have a health condition, disability, or other barriers to employment
• Want personalised support to enter or return to work

Participation is completely voluntary and shaped around your needs.

How we work: The 5 Stage Supported Employment Model

Connect to Work follows a structured, proven approach known as the 5 Stage Supported Employment Model. This ensures each person receives consistent, high quality support tailored to their goals.

1. Engagement

We start by building trust and getting to know you. This includes:

• initial meetings to explore your interests, skills, and aspirations
• explaining how supported employment works
• discussing any immediate barriers, such as travel or benefits concerns

2. Vocational profiling

We create a detailed profile that helps us understand:

• your strengths and abilities
• your support needs and any required adjustments
• your job interests and preferences

This profile guides the rest of your employment journey.

3. Job finding

We work with you to secure a role that matches your skills and goals through:

• employer engagement
• tailored job matching
• support to negotiate responsibilities and workplace adjustments

4. Employer engagement and job analysis

Before you start work, we:

• analyse job tasks and the work environment
• identify any training or adjustments you may need
• build a supportive relationship with your employer

5. On the job support and career development

Once you start your job, we continue to provide support to help you succeed, including:

• job coaching and workplace training
• monitoring progress and problem-solving
• gradually reducing support as your independence grows
• exploring opportunities for skill development and progression

Read more about Connect to Work for employers