Employment Support Programme Helps More Than 120 Islanders

More than 120 people on the Isle of Wight have received help through an employment support programme during its first six months.

Connect to Work launched in February after being commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council and is aimed at people with disabilities, long-term health conditions or other barriers to employment.

Participants who are out of work can receive up to 12 months of individual support, including coaching, help with applications and matching their skills with suitable vacancies.

A further four months of assistance can be provided after someone enters employment, helping them adjust to their new role and remain in work.

The programme is delivered by Palladium alongside Island partners OSEL and Youth Trust and is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

People can refer themselves or be referred with help from a caseworker, community organisation, volunteer, friend or another trusted person.

Residents can find out more and register through the Palladium Connect to Work website. Anyone unsure whether they are eligible can contact the programme at admin.ctw@thepalladiumgroup.com or the Isle of Wight Council team at Connect-to-work@iow.gov.uk.