Connect to work initiative – Havering

FAO: Havering only

A new initiative, Connect to Work, is making a real difference for individuals struggling to return to employment. The programme offers tailored one-to-one support to help patients overcome barriers and re-enter the workforce. The programme is being delivered within Havering by the Havering Works team, part of the London Borough of Havering.

One recent success story involves a candidate with Autism Spectrum Disorder  and anxiety who faced significant challenges during job interviews despite strong academic credentials, including an Honours Degree and AAT Level 2 in Bookkeeping. Ideally, he was looking for a position as an accounts assistant or data analyst, however, he’d become very demoralised during his job search.  He had had some interviews but had not been able to secure a position and felt his ASD and anxiety prevented him from making a positive impression at interview and really showcasing his skills.  He had started looking for work outside his preferred area but was still having no success which resulted in him “giving up” as he felt he was just failing at everything. After losing confidence in his job search, he was introduced to a local motor vehicle repair business through a local Employment Specialist.

Following an informal interview, the candidate completed a two-week work experience placement, impressing the employer with his skills and work ethic. This led to an offer of employment as an apprentice Accounts Assistant, with plans to begin his Level 3 AAT qualification in the New Year.

The candidate has reported a boost in confidence and satisfaction, while his family has noticed a remarkable positive change. This success highlights the impact of personalised employment support in transforming lives.

Connect to Work is tailored to individual needs; an employment specialist from the Havering Works team will work one to one with the patient to develop a plan for the journey back to or into work – addressing the barriers that they may face and helping them to mitigate these and secure employment. Ideally the Employment Specialist will work alongside other professionals supporting the patient to ensure that their needs are being addressed and they are supported in their journey.

Patients may be in work but signed off sick and at risk of losing their job, or may be unemployed and needing help with finding a role To be eligible for support the patient should be over 18 and live in Havering. Referrals can be made using the Joy App, the QR Code (below) or emailing  Havering.Works@havering.gov.uk