A major new employment support programme designed to help
more people across Cumbria find and stay in work has been officially launched.
More than 100 representatives from councils, businesses,
employment services, community organisations and the voluntary sector gathered
at Sunbeams Music Centre in Penrith yesterday (Wednesday 6th May)
for the launch of Cumbria Connect to Work, a locally-delivered programme backed
by £11 million of government funding secured by Cumbria Combined Authority
(CCA).
The programme provides tailored, one‑to‑one support for
people who face additional challenges in gaining or sustaining employment,
offering a flexible alternative to traditional employment schemes.
It has been successfully piloted across Cumbria since
January and is now being rolled out on a major scale.
The programme is delivered by Enterprising Cumbria, which
formally transferred into the Cumbria Combined Authority on May 1, bringing
employment and skills delivery directly under CCA's leadership.
The launch event featured contributions from partners at the
heart of the programme's delivery, alongside an employer case study from
Stagecoach demonstrating the vital role local businesses can play in supporting
inclusive, high‑quality employment.
Jennifer struggles with learning difficulties and struggles
with interviews. A Facebook plea saw someone suggest contacting Inspira and
joining the Connect to Work programme. She is one of the programme's early
success stories after securing – and thriving – in her new role as a bus
driver.
She said: "I joined Connect to Work because I got a lot
of help in college and after that I struggled to get a job. There's a gap,
there's no help out there for you."
Jennifer was helped not only during the application and
interview process, but also in ensuring there was additional support in place
during both the induction and in her everyday work.
She added: "Anyone that's been in my situation I would
highly recommend Connect to Work."
Councillor Mark Fryer, Chair of Cumbria Combined Authority,
added: "Connect to Work is about breaking down the barriers that stop too
many people from getting into work, even when they have a lot to offer.
"By working closely with delivery partners, employers
and community organisations, we are making sure support is rooted in local
needs and leads to real, sustainable jobs.
"This programme is a strong example of how
collaboration across Cumbria can deliver better outcomes for residents and the
economy."
John Barradell OBE, Interim Chief Executive of Cumbria
Combined Authority, said: "Connect to Work is about making support work
properly for people, not forcing them into a one‑size‑fits‑all system.
"By bringing £11m of government funding into Cumbria
and moving delivery into the combined authority through Enterprising Cumbria,
we're keeping decisions local and focused on what actually helps people into
jobs.
"It's a really important part of how we get Cumbria
working."
Enterprising Cumbria is responsible for delivering the
programme on the ground, working closely with local partners, employers and
communities across the county. Inspira is the lead delivery partner supporting
residents into employment through the programme.
Mark Bowman, Chief Executive at Inspira, said: "Connect
to Work allows us to offer personalised, practical support that reflects the
real challenges people face.
"By working closely with the combined authority and
Enterprising Cumbria, we can tailor support around individuals and link that
directly to opportunities with local employers. It's a strong model that is
already making a difference."
Cumbria Connect to Work is aimed at people who are
economically inactive or at risk of falling out of work, helping them to build
confidence, develop skills and move into good‑quality, sustainable employment.
For more information about Cumbria Connect to Work,
visit www.inspira.org.uk/about-us/support-for-employers/connect-to-work-for-employers
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