Successful start to Connect to Work: Supporting Lancashire Residents into Employment

Connect to Work, a new employment support initiative fully funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has reached its six‑month milestone in Lancashire after launching at the end of July 2025. Managed by the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub and delivered by Blackpool Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, the programme has been steadily growing its presence in local communities and helping residents move into good, secure employment. The programme offers local employers practical support and guidance to help them recruit inclusively and get the very best from their workforce.

More than 700 people have already been referred into the service, with 278 residents now receiving personalised support. Many have joined through linked programmes such as WorkWell, IPS Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and Talking Therapies, demonstrating how Connect to Work is successfully aligning with existing employment and health initiatives across the county.

Progress is already clear. Thirty‑three people have moved into roles suitable for their needs, and a growing number are sustaining their employment. Twelve residents have maintained their roles with the help of Connect to Work’s In‑Work Job Retention support, showing that the programme is not only helping people find jobs but also build long‑term stability.

Embedding the Service in Lancashire Communities

A key priority during the first six months has been integration. Connect to Work has collaborated closely with Primary Care Networks, Jobcentre Plus, local authorities and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector (VCFSE) organisations to identify the most accessible places for residents to receive support. As a result, the service is becoming part of everyday community life, with support now available in GP surgeries, libraries, neighbourhood centres and other well‑used local spaces.

To ensure residents receive the right help at the right time, the team has mapped existing employment, health and wellbeing provision across Lancashire. This avoids duplication, strengthens what already works well and ensures each resident receives joined‑up support that reflects the strengths of their local community.

Work is also underway to improve data‑sharing across the system. Streamlined agreements with NHS partners, local authorities, Jobcentre Plus and VCFSE organisations will enable smoother referrals and better collaboration as the programme grows. Connect to Work has been working with healthcare professionals to develop clear, easy-to‑use referral routes so residents can quickly access the support that best suits their needs.

Building Strong Relationships with Local Employers

Helping residents into work relies on strong employer partnerships and Connect to Work has placed employer engagement at the centre of its approach. Since summer 2025, the team has been out across the county meeting employers face‑to‑face, joining business networks and attending local events to raise awareness of the service.

This proactive approach has led to conversations with more than 330 Lancashire employers across sectors including Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Warehousing, Manufacturing, Education and Tourism. By listening to employers’ recruitment needs and understanding the challenges they face, the team is helping to create more routes into work for local people and encouraging inclusive recruitment practices across Lancashire.

Working Together for Lancashire Residents

Connect to Work has strengthened relationships with community and health partners, with 45 organisations now actively engaged in referring or supporting residents. This shared approach ensures that people receive coordinated support, whether that involves employment advice, help with health conditions, or signposting to other services.

Outreach continues to be an important part of the work. Being visible in local neighbourhoods and building trusted relationships means more residents feel comfortable seeking support – and more partners know how the programme can help.

Looking Ahead

As the service moves into its next phase, new delivery partners will be onboarded to expand capacity and broaden the range of support available. The number of residents accessing the programme – and the number moving into work – is expected to grow significantly in the coming months.

The team will continue to strengthen employer relationships, increase awareness of the service and highlight the positive impact that local employment support can have.

The progress made over the past six months shows a programme becoming firmly rooted in Lancashire’s communities. With strong partnerships, an expanding employer network and a clear focus on helping residents achieve their goals, Connect to Work is already making a meaningful difference in Lancashire.

To find out more about Connect to Work in Lancashire, visit LancashireSkillsHub.co.uk/connect-to-work