Welcome to Connect to Work Lincolnshire
Free job support delivered by Shaw Trust on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council.
Struggling to find work because of your health or disability? Worried about losing your job – and need support to keep it? Or coming back after time away and unsure what’s next?
If you live in South Holland, Boston, Lincoln, East Lindsey or West Lindsey, you can sign up to Connect to Work Lincolnshire.
It’s our voluntary, free employment support programme that helps you find and keep the right job in a way that works for you.
You’ll:
- build your confidence
- see what you’re capable of
- take steps towards the right job for you
- get support to stay in work.
We’ll be here to keep you on track, every step of the way.
Why people join us
The people we work with have often been through a lot. Some of them haven’t had a job before, others have left work for health reasons, and some are struggling in their role.
They’re all at a turning point where the right support can make a positive difference.
We can help you move forwards by building your confidence, focusing on what matters to you, and managing any hurdles along the way.
Here are two stories from real people we’ve supported through Connect to Work in other regions:
Here’s how we can help
Preparing for work: Build your confidence, look after your health, understand your skills and plan your next steps
Applying for work: Explore job roles, write your CV and applications, get interview practice and find the right job
Staying in work: Manage your health, set up workplace adjustments, and get help from other services
See who we can help
You can join Connect to Work Lincolnshire if you:
- are aged 18 or over
- have the right to live and work in the UK.
- live in South Holland, Boston, Lincoln, East Lindsey, West Lindsey*
- are out of work, or worried about losing your current job
- want to move into paid employment
- have a disability, health condition or barrier that makes finding or keeping work challenging.
People join us from all backgrounds, from those just starting out to people with lots of experience.
* If you live in North Kesteven or South Kesteven please refer to Lincolnshire CC website for support.
Whatever’s standing in your way, we’ll work through it together.
You can also join us if you are:
- a carer or former carer
- someone with experience of homelessness
- a current or former member of the Armed Forces community
- someone who has experienced drug or alcohol dependency
- care experienced or a care leaver
- a refugee or have resettled in the UK
- a survivor of domestic abuse
- at risk of, or affected by, serious violence
- a survivor of modern slavery
- someone with experience of the criminal justice system
If you’re already getting employment support in Lincolnshire, or getting work and health support in Lincolnshire, you won’t be able to join Connect to Work.
Not sure if our service is right for you? Get in touch
Support on your doorstep
We work with local services and organisations across Lincolnshire, helping you with:
- jobs and employers
- training and skills
- health and wellbeing
- finances and other challenges.
- With the right support at the right time, so you can keep moving forwards.
How Connect to Work works
- Complete a referral
Fill in our simple referral form. A member of the team will contact you to discuss your circumstances and confirm that the programme is right for you. - Meet your employment specialist
You’ll have a one-to-one conversation about your goals, skills, interests and any barriers affecting your ability to work. - Begin your work journey
Together we’ll create a personalised plan and start identifying job opportunities. We’ll work quickly to move you towards suitable employment and support you with applications. - Receive support in work
Once you’ve started a job, we’ll continue to provide support to help you settle into your role and manage any health-related or workplace needs.
What happens next
- Fill out a quick form: We’ll be in touch to get things started, and to check our free employment support programme is right for you.
- Meet your employment specialist: Talk about your goals, skills and needs, and any support you might need.
- Start your journey to good work: We’ll work quickly, and within a month, approach employers and help you apply for jobs that suit you.
- Find a role and stay there: We’ll support you as you settle into your new job – including any workplace adjustments.
Ready for good work?
To join our free employment support programme, get in touch.
You can either:
- ask your healthcare professional to refer you during an appointment
- fill out our simple online form (it only takes a few minutes)
- email: ConnecttoWorkLincolnshire@shaw-trust.org.uk
- call:01522 440500
A friend, fhttp://Tel:01522 440500amily member or organisation can also refer you (with your consent).
Frequently asked questions
Why choose Shaw Trust?
As the largest employment charity in England and Wales, we help people overcome barriers into work, so they can both find and keep good jobs. To do this, we work with local employers, health services and community groups. We can offer health and employment support in Lincolnshire.
What is the Connect to Work programme?
It’s a voluntary, free employment support programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It’s part of the government’s Get Britain Working strategy, which aims to get around 300,000 people into work by 2030.
How can Connect to Work support me?
You’ll get tailored support to move you work and stay well while you’re there. This includes:
- Getting a job: We’ll help you prepare for work, including writing or updating your CV, making applications, searching for roles and getting ready for interviews.
- Helping with your health: You can talk to us about your health and wellbeing, and we’ll connect you with the right services in your area. We can also guide you around benefits.
- Keeping your job: We can give you employment support in Lincolnshire. If you’re already in work or about to start a new role, we’ll help you talk to your employer about any workplace adjustments you need to keep it.
How Connect to Work is different
We’re not like other job programmes. You stay in control, and won’t have to take roles that don’t fit. Both your health and finances are taken into consideration, to make sure you’re not worse off. And if you want to leave, you can. We’re about flexible support that’s built around you – and the drive to keep going.
You’ll get:
- a dedicated person supporting you throughout
- a job that fits your life, goals and health
- regular meetings in your area
- advice to ensure you’re financially better off in work
- support with your healthcare teams, if needed
- help getting settled into work and staying there.
Is Connect to Work the same as IPS?
It’s delivered using the Individualised Placement and Support (IPS) model. IPS follows a “place, train and maintain” approach, moving people into work quickly while providing ongoing support. Evidence shows IPS can be more effective than traditional approaches.
Do I have to pay for the service?
No. Our work and health support in Lincolnshire is fully funded by DWP and delivered locally through Lincolnshire County Council. There’s no cost for you to take part.
Delivered in partnership with
Need this information in a different format? studio@shaw-trust.org.uk