Council Joins New Scheme to Support Residents Back into Work

Bedford Borough Council is taking part in a new programme aimed at helping residents return to work and maintain sustainable employment, offering 12-month personalised support plans for each participant.

The Connect to Work programme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will run for five years and is specifically designed for people who have been out of work for six months or longer and face disabilities, health conditions, or complex barriers to employment.

Each advisor will work with up to 25 clients at a time, with new participants joining the programme whenever someone successfully re-enters the workforce. Support includes one-to-one coaching, guidance in finding suitable jobs that match skills and abilities, and ongoing support for both the participant and their employer to help maintain long-term employment.

Around three-quarters of participants will benefit from the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Model, first developed in the USA, which integrates with other referral and support services, including homelessness and mental health organisations.

Bedford is working as part of a regional partnership, alongside councils in Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, West Northamptonshire, and North Northamptonshire, to deliver the scheme.

Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said:

“Connect to Work will help us fulfil our goal of ensuring every resident has an opportunity to thrive and find meaningful employment. Finding and sustaining a fulfilling job is not just about money; it’s vitally important to mental health and wellbeing.

Eligible groups include former Armed Forces personnel, victims of modern-day slavery, carers, care leavers, the homeless, ex-offenders, young people at risk of being NEET, and refugees including Afghans and Ukrainians. Everyone has something to contribute, and we want to help them unlock that.”

The programme is now open to eligible residents, with further information available via Bedford Borough Council’s website.