Connect to Work is a voluntary programme that helps people overcome barriers to employment and find meaningful work.
Barriers to employment can include health issues, disabilities, or other challenges that make it hard to get a job.
The programme offers up to 12 months of support that is tailored to each person's needs. This support is:
- personalised to help you achieve your goals
- focused on you as an individual
- one-to-one, so you get the help you need
The government has given grant funding to the 6 local councils in Berkshire to support around 2,300 people over 5 years. The 6 councils are:
- Bracknell Forest
- Reading
- Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
- Slough
- West Berkshire
- Wokingham
The Connect to Work programme launched in January 2026 and is being run by Palladium, a specialist provider, in Berkshire.
Benefits
Jobseekers
Connect to Work offers jobseekers:
- tailored help from employment specialists who understand your challenges and strengths
- access to health and skills support to help you get the job you want
- training and upskilling opportunities to boost your confidence and employability
- support that is tailored to your community's needs
Employers
If you're an employer, you can partner with Connect to Work to find talented employees who are often overlooked. By working with us, you can:
- access a pool of motivated and skilled people
- save time and money on recruitment and onboarding
- build a more diverse and inclusive workforce
- find employees who are committed to working for your business
- improve employee retention and loyalty
Eligibility
Connect to Work is for people who face barriers to employment, including:
- those with disabilities or long-term health conditions
- offenders and ex-offenders
- carers and ex-carers
- homeless people
- armed forces veterans and current personnel
- people who have past or current drug or alcohol dependencies
- care-experienced young people and care leavers
- resettled Afghans and people in the Ukrainian scheme
- victims and survivors of domestic abuse
- young people at risk of serious violence
- victims of modern slavery
To be eligible, you must also:
- be 18 or over
- live in Berkshire
- be motivated to find paid work
- not be on another Department for Work and Pensions programme
- not be in work or at risk of losing your job
How to take part
You can be referred to the programme by health services, local councils or voluntary sector organisations. You can also express an interest in taking part yourself.
For more information, email Berkshireworks.ctw@thepalladiumgroup.com.