Breaking down barriers: Hackney launches Connect to Work

Hackney Council has launched Connect to Work, a major new supported employment programme designed to help residents facing the greatest barriers into secure, good-quality jobs.

Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and developed in partnership with Central London Forward, the programme will provide tailored, intensive support for residents facing the greatest barriers to work. It will join up appropriate Council services with local employers and community partners to create new opportunities for Hackney residents.

A launch event on 13 November at Hackney Town Hall, attended by partners, employers, and community organisations, celebrated the programme’s ambition to deliver supported employment at scale and create new pathways into meaningful work.

Connect to Work builds on Hackney’s strong track record of supported employment programmes, including:

• Supported internships for young people with special educational needs or neurodiversity, with more than 120 participants to date.
• Individual Placement Support in primary care, where over 100 residents with health conditions have been supported, and nearly 30 have moved into jobs.
• NEET Pathways, which has this year re-engaged nearly 150 young people not in education, employment or training.
• Supported Employment Services for residents with disabilities, where over half of participants this year have already started jobs.

Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, said: “Hackney is a borough with enormous talent, but opportunity is not shared equally. Too many residents still face barriers to finding good work. Connect to Work is about breaking those barriers down - so that every resident, regardless of background or circumstance, has equal opportunities to secure employment and the chance to thrive.”

Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities, said: “Connect to Work reflects the incredible work we’ve been leading in Hackney in supporting residents who face additional barriers, including individuals with disabilities and who are neurodiverse.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed in meaningful employment, with access to training, work experience and opportunities they deserve.

“We are building a dedicated team and systems needed to deliver on our ambition of creating a model of support where every resident has a fair and equal chance to flourish in work.”

Liz Millington, Senior Programmes Manager at Central London Forward said: “Across central London, too many people remain locked out of good work because the support available doesn’t always reflect the complexity of their lives. Connect to Work takes a different approach: holistic, resident-focused, and rooted in local partnerships.

“We are delighted to be working with Hackney Council on this ambitious programme, which has the potential to deliver real change for residents and contribute to inclusive growth across the capital.”