Connect to Work Swindon and Wiltshire

Get free work and health support in Swindon and Wiltshire

Connect to Work Swindon and Wiltshire is a free, voluntary service that brings work and wellbeing support together. It’s a job support programme to local people aged 18 and over, who are facing barriers to work, like health.

It’s run by Shaw Trust and commissioned by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, providing employment support to people in Swindon and Wiltshire, for free.

Who the programme is for

Connect to Work helps people who are finding it hard to get a job, or to stay in work. This may be because of a health condition, or time away from the workplace.

You can get employment support in Swindon and Wiltshire if you’re:

Looking for a job.
Returning to work after a break.
Worried you may lose your job because of your health.

The service is completely free, and you can leave at any time. You’re in control of what information is shared with current or potential employers.

What support you could get

You’ll get one-to-one support from an employment specialist, who will:

Listen to you.
Understand what you’re good at.
Help you work towards your work goals.

Your personalised employment support could include:

Building your confidence and self-esteem.
Understanding your strengths and skills.
Help to find the right job for you, not just any job.
Speaking to employers to access vacancies which match your job goals
Supporting you to stay in work while managing a health condition.
Guidance on writing your CV and filling in job application forms.
Preparing you for interviews and next steps towards work.
Giving you access to local training and skills development.
Sharing clear information about benefits and how these might be affected when you move into work.
Signposting you to support services.
Workplace adjustments and support, to help you settle in and stay in your new job.
Advice for employers, where needed, to help you do your job well.

How it works

1. Fill out our quick form. You’ll then be contacted by one of our team, to check the programme is right for you.
2. Meet your employment specialist. You’ll talk about your goals, skills and any support you might need.
3. Get ready for work. We’ll work quickly, and within a month, we’ll begin approaching employers and applying for jobs that suit you.
4. Start work. When you find a job, you may be able to get additional in-work support to help you succeed.

Connect to Work programme benefits

When you join Connect to Work Swindon and Wiltshire, you’ll get:

The right support at the right time:

We’ll help you to manage your work and health goals, from connecting you to support services, to giving you practical advice on writing CVs and looking for jobs.

A personal employment specialist:

You’ll be matched to a local Shaw Trust employment expert. They’ll be your main point of contact and will shape their support around what you need.

Resilience and confidence coaching:

We’ll help you get ready for work – whether you’re starting a first job, returning to work, or need help with staying in your role.

Real experiences with Connect to Work

Here are two stories from real people we’ve supported through Connect to Work in other regions:

Tiffany had been out of work for a year due to mental health challenges. After being referred by the Jobcentre, she joined Connect to Work and has since secured a new part-time job. She continues to receive support and guidance towards a future career in mental health. Tiffany described the support from her employment specialist, Katie, as “incredible” and well-matched to her needs.

After a difficult time in his life, Carl felt unsure about going back to work. With support from Del, his employment specialist, and his mental health team, he made a plan based on his interest in outdoor work. Carl has since had his first job interview in over 20 years and has now started a job at a local golf club. This has helped Carl feel more confident and positive about his future.

Eligibility

You could be eligible to join Connect to Work if you:

Are aged 18 or over.

Have the right to live and work in the UK.

Aren’t working, or are worried about losing your job.

Have a disability and/or health condition

Want to enter paid employment.

Live in Swindon and Wiltshire.

If you are already receiving support through an alternative DWP employment programme, you won’t be able to join Connect to Work.

Join Connect to Work today

To get help with starting or staying in a job, get in touch today. Our local team can tell you more about how Connect to Work can move you closer to your work and health goals.

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: CtWSwindonandWilts@shaw-trust.org.uk
Call: 01793 685885

Frequently asked questions

Why choose Shaw Trust?

As the largest employment charity in England and Wales, we have a strong track record of helping 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 offer programmes that support people with their health and employment in places like Swindon and Wiltshire to help people get into good work.

What is the Connect to Work programme?

Connect to Work is a free voluntary 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 over the next five years.

How can Connect to Work support me?

You’ll get tailored support to move you into 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: 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.

Does Shaw Trust already work in Swindon and Wiltshire?

Yes, we’re helping people across the area already through our IPS Focus programme, offering free, personalised job support for people receiving mental health care in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. We also successfully run free employment support programmes, like Connect to Work, in other areas.

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 is more effective than traditional approaches.

Do I have to pay for the service?

No. Connect to Work in Swindon and Wiltshire is fully funded by DWP and delivered locally through Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council. It offers employment support and work and health support. There’s no cost to take part.