A new employment support programme designed to help residents overcome barriers to work has officially launched on the Isle of Wight.
What the programme offers
Connect to Work is a new voluntary supported employment programme intended for people across the Island who face barriers to finding and sustaining work due to disabilities or long-term health conditions.
It offers personalised help to residents with disabilities or long-term health conditions who want to move into meaningful and sustainable employment.
The Isle of Wight Council commissioned programme provides up to 12 months of tailored support for people who are not currently in work, alongside up to four months of in-work support to help participants settle into roles, develop new skills, and remain in long-term employment.
Connect to Work focuses on understanding each person’s goals, strengths, and challenges; identifying employers who are seeking people with relevant skills; supporting job applications; and helping participants settle successfully into the workplace.
It may be particularly suitable for those looking to build confidence, explore workplace adjustments, or gain practical experience directly in a real job environment.
Who is delivering the scheme
Delivery on the Isle of Wight, commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council, is being led by Palladium, who also deliver the Restart scheme, working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Youth Trust and Working Towards Wellbeing – Part of Osel Enterprises Ltd as part of a dedicated Island Alliance.
The programme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, with regional adaptions being made as part of a wider partnership between the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton local authorities to tackle economic inactivity and strengthen local employment pathways.
How to get involved
Referrals to the scheme can be made independently or with the support of a caseworker, community organisation, volunteer, friend, or any trusted individual.
In addition, the Inclusive Island programme, led by Marnie Janaway, will compliment Connect to Work by supporting and empowering Island-based organisations to become more inclusive in their approach to employing and retaining staff.
If someone is unsure about their eligibility, the Connect to Work team is available to provide advice and guide them through the next steps.
To find out more or register, residents can visit the Palladium Connect to Work website or contact the programme by emailing [email protected] or the Isle of Wight Council’s Connect to Work team at [email protected].
Read more on the Palladium website.
What the partners say
Anna Hewison, Operations Manager at Palladium, said,
“We are excited to share the launch of our new Connect to Work programme on the Isle of Wight supporting local residents into sustainable, fulfilling employment and supporting them to stay there – with a strong focus on confidence building, wellbeing, and practical pathways into work.
“We are proud to be delivering this in partnership with Osel and Isle of Wight Youth Trust whose expertise and deep local connections strengthen the impact of this programme.”
Matt Hall, 16-25 Lead at Isle of Wight Youth Trust, said,
“We’re delighted to support the Connect to Work programme by leading the young person element.
“Our focus is on helping young people build confidence, develop skills, and access real opportunities so they can take positive steps toward employment and their future.”
Whitney Ryan, Project Lead at Working Towards Wellbeing – Part of Osel Enterprises Ltd, said,
“We are excited to be joining forces with Palladium and Youth Trust to deliver the Supported Employment Model of Connect to Work across the Island.
“Building on our existing employment model, we will support individuals with learning disabilities and neurodiversity to access and sustain employment.
“By bringing together the expertise of three services, we aim to support a diverse range of people into meaningful work across the Island.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
