Free supported employment programme launches in Torbay 

A new, voluntary supported employment programme that will support over 800 people in Torbay is now open to participants.  

Connect to Work, which launched in Torbay this week, is designed to help individuals with disabilities, long term health conditions, and other significant barriers that make it difficult to find employment, progress toward meaningful, sustainable work.  

The programme will also provide support to individuals currently in work who are at risk of losing their employment due to the same barriers. 

Participants will have access to specialist employment advisors who will work with them to understand their career goals, provide one-to-one, tailored support, and help facilitate direct conversations with prospective employers. 

Advisors will also offer ongoing in-work support to both the participant and their employer to help ensure long-term success.   

Not only will the programme help residents to overcome challenges and achieve career goals, but it will also support local employers to adopt more inclusive recruitment practices, helping to create flexible and sustainable job opportunities for Torbay’s communities.   

Backed by £22.7 million from the UK Government’s Get Britain Working Programme, the Connect to Work programme is available across the whole of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. It's being led and delivered by the three local authorities to ensure support reflects local priorities and reaches the people who need it most.  

The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority retains a strategic role in the project, working to align activity with the wider ambitions of the Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan and strengthen coordination across the area.  

The free, voluntary programme will be delivered locally in Torbay by Eat That Frog CIC and I Can Do That! CIC and aims to support over 800 residents over the duration of the project.                 

You can find out more about the programme on our website.  

Councillor Chris Lewis, Torbay Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said:  

“I’m so pleased that the Connect to Work programme has launched in Torbay. The comprehensive, personalised support on offer through the programme will help hundreds of Torbay residents into work, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to realise their potential.  

“By breaking down these barriers to work and supporting local employers to promote inclusive recruitment practices, the programme will help open up more opportunities for our residents, creating stronger futures for our communities and local economy.  

“It's a free, voluntary programme so I’d encourage anyone who thinks their eligible to get in contact with the team to find out how they can support you.” 

Hannah Rendle from Eat That Frog CIC, said:  

“We work with hundreds of people across our community who want to move into work but need the right support to get there. This programme marks an exciting step forward for Eat That Frog CIC and I Can Do That! CIC and we are ready to start delivering real, positive change for local people.” 

How to access the programme  

Torbay's Connect to Work programme is free to join and is a voluntary scheme for those looking to find and keep paid-for employment. Potential participants can fill in an expression of interest themselves or access the programme through existing support networks.  

It is open to Torbay residents aged 18 or over (or 16 and over in exceptional circumstances) who have a disability, a physical or mental health condition, or who experience other complex barriers to employment.  

Participants do not need to be accessing other forms of support to be eligible but should not be taking part in any other Department for Work and Pensions work programmes.  

To read the full eligibility criteria, or submit an expression of interest, visit the Eat That Frog CIC website.