Lewisham celebrates 100 residents starting work through Connect to Work

Delivered by the award-winning Lewisham Works service, Connect to Work offers tailored one-to-one support to residents who face barriers to employment. Employment Specialists work alongside participants for up to 12 months, helping them build confidence, gain skills and move into work.

One year on, 411 residents have joined the programme and more than 100 have successfully moved into work, almost 50% above the programme's original target of 68.

By 2030, Lewisham Works will support more than 1,600 Lewisham residents into employment through Connect to Work, helping residents gain the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to access and sustain good-quality jobs and reach their potential.

The programme supports a wide range of residents, including people with health conditions, learning disabilities, caring responsibilities, experience of homelessness, refugees and those rebuilding their lives after difficult circumstances.

One resident, Kylea, said: "I didn't feel as if there were such opportunities for people like me. It's been great, I've developed more as a person when it comes to my confidence. I'm now excited for what the future has for me."

Pafe is a deaf resident who was helped into work by the team. He said: “I had no work for five years and I was incredibly lonely. Elena (his Employment Specialist) has helped me and encouraged me – and she’s been incredibly proactive in building my confidence and giving me interview techniques to use and gain confidence."

Hear from Kylea, Pafe and other residents who have been supported by Connect to Work, as well as the Employment Specialists who have helped them on their career journey.

Councillor Shireen Asaw, Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills said: 

“I'm blown away by the impact this programme is already having.

Our committed Lewisham Works team are showing up and helping residents everyday, helping them overcome barriers, build confidence and access good-quality jobs, bringing our vision of an Economy of Care to life. This is about much more than employment.

A good job can transform someone's life, creating benefits that ripple through families and communities. Getting 100 people into work, double our target, is a huge milestone and shows what's possible when we invest in the right support people need to succeed."

Councillor Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said:

“To have helped so many people into work in the programme’s first year is a wonderful achievement.

"Having a good, stable job can make a real difference to people’s lives. It can improve confidence, financial security, and peoples physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

"We know that some residents face significant barriers to finding and staying in work and tackling those inequalities is a key priority for us.

"Connect to Work recognises the close link between health and employment. Through personalised, long-term support, it is helping residents take positive steps towards healthier, more independent lives. Most importantly, it is giving people the opportunity to fulfil their potential and look forward to the future with hope.”