Connect to Work Launch Events Bring Stakeholders Together Across Lancashire

Connect to Work marked a major milestone this month, hosting three successful launch events to celebrate the programme going fully live across Lancashire and strengthen relationships with partners across the county. More than 400 stakeholders attended three events to learn about the service, meet delivery teams and explore how Connect to Work will support residents into good, sustainable employment.

Connect to Work is an employment support initiative fully funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Managed by the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, the programme has been steadily expanding its reach across local communities, helping residents who need extra support to find and keep jobs that meet their strengths and needs.

Events were held in Burnley (East Lancashire) at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa, Leyland (Central & West Lancashire) at South Ribble Civic Centre, and Garstang (North Lancashire) at Garstang Country Hotel. Each event brought together organisations from across employment, health, education and community sectors, helping build a shared understanding of how Connect to Work will operate locally.

Hearing Directly from Delivery Teams

A key highlight of the launches was the opportunity for stakeholders to hear directly from the teams delivering the programme in their area. Presentations were delivered collaboratively by:

• Amraize Hussain – Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
• Laura Roberts – Ingeus
• Elizabeth Shaw – Blackpool Council
• Louise Jordan – Standguide Ltd
• Lydia Ferguson – Lancashire County Council
• Anna Holsgrove‑Smith and Julie Barnes‑Casson – Maximus

Their sessions demonstrated the strong partnership model behind Connect to Work and provided stakeholders with a clear picture of referral routes, delivery activity and the personalised support residents can expect to receive.

Strong Engagement and Momentum from Stakeholders

Across the three events, Connect to Work generated over 100 positive engagements from stakeholders eager to understand how the programme can support residents in their communities. Delivery teams spent time speaking directly with NHS colleagues, community organisations, education providers and other partners, many of whom expressed a strong interest in integrating Connect to Work within their existing support pathways.

Stakeholders shared how valuable the programme will be for Lancashire residents, with many saying they were excited to get on board, begin referring into Connect to Work and help local people access the best possible employment support. These conversations have created strong early momentum, helping ensure partners across Lancashire are ready to work collaboratively with the programme from day one.

Connect to Work directly supports activity within the Get Lancashire Working Plan which was developed in partnership NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), DWP at a local level and a range of partners, the Get Lancashire Working Plan sets out how Lancashire will play its part in supporting the Government’s ambition of an 80% employment rate by 2035.

A Growing Programme with a Significant Milestone

The launch events also marked an important moment for the programme as Connect to Work continues to expand its reach. Lancashire has now seen more than 500 residents start their journey with Connect to Work — a significant milestone that reflects strong demand for accessible, tailored employment support.

By engaging hundreds of stakeholders across three districts, the launch events have helped strengthen referral pathways, increase awareness and ensure wide system alignment as the programme continues to grow.

Strengthening Lancashire’s Employment and Health System

Connect to Work is also a key part of Lancashire’s wider employment and health strategy. The programme directly supports delivery of the Get Lancashire Working Plan, developed in partnership with NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and a range of local partners. The Plan outlines how Lancashire will contribute to the Government’s ambition of achieving an 80% employment rate by 2035, with Connect to Work providing a crucial pathway for residents who need personalised support to move into and sustain work.

The Connect to Work team will continue to build on the momentum generated by the launches, working closely with partners to raise awareness, strengthen collaboration and ensure residents can access the right support at the right time.

More information about Connect to Work, including how to get involved or make a referral, is available at LancashireSkillsHub.co.uk/connect-to-work