What is Connect to Work?
Connect to Work supports people across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and Dorset who are finding it hard to get into work or stay in work. If you are managing a health issue, caring for others or need extra support, this voluntary programme could help you.
It is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
What can we offer?
You’ll be matched with your own Employment Specialist who will work with you to provide support. This could mean help searching for a job, writing a CV, applying for a job, or having an interview.
Who can join?
To take part, you need to:
- Be of working age and living in England or Wales
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Not be on another DWP employment programme
- Be unemployed, economically inactive, or at risk of losing your job
- Have a disability, long-term health condition, neurodivergence or face complex barriers to work
- A carer or former carer
- A care leaver or care-experienced young person
- A refugee or someone on the Ukrainian or Afghan resettlement schemes
- A veteran or partner of someone in the Armed Forces
- A person with a history of drug or alcohol dependency
- A survivor of domestic abuse or modern slavery
- A young person at risk of serious violence
- An ex-offender or someone involved with the justice system
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, just ask—we’re happy to talk it through with you.
Is it voluntary?
It is a voluntary programme. You must choose to take part. You can leave at any time and we will always ask permission to share information with other relevant organisations.
What happens when you get a job?
Your Employment Specialist is there to support you when you look for a job and after you get one. They can also support your employer to make any reasonable adjustments on your behalf. This is required under the Equality Act 2010.
Please contact us at:
Skills & Learning phone number: 01202 123444
If you prefer to visit us in person and find out more, please visit any of our four main centres listed below:
- Poole Adult Learning Centre
Dolphin Centre, Poole, BH15 1SZ - Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre
King’s Park Drive, Bournemouth, BH7 6JD - Dorchester Library and Learning Centre
Charles Street, Dorchester, DT1 1EE - Weymouth Library and Learning Centre
George Street, Weymouth, DT4 8NN
