Programme will support people with complex needs into work
A new programme that will support people with complex needs to try and find work will bring more than £3.6m of investment in St Helens Borough.
Article date: October 22 2025
The Connect to Work programme is a new government initiative that is designed to tackle economic inactivity by supporting people with health conditions, disabilities, or complex barriers into sustainable employment.
Councillor Kate Groucutt, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth, said: "We know that for some of our residents, the world of work is one that feels inaccessible, even though they would like to find a job, because they may have complex needs and would require some dedicated support to find a suitable role for them. Connect to Work is a programme that will provide the additional funding to help us provide that very support from our highly skilled Ways to Work team which has supported hundreds of people into employment over the last few years."
The full programme is being delivered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and St Helens Borough Council will be delivering the individual placement and support element locally.
The Connect to Work programme helps to support the council's key priorities, including inclusive growth and supporting health and wellbeing.
Councillor Groucutt added: "We should never underestimate the boost that finding the right job can have on someone, including their own and their families' aspirations for the future, building a better life for themselves and increasing independence. This is an exciting opportunity to help our residents find out what their potential really is and we're pleased to see the programme receive funding of more than £3m from Central Government to support this here in St Helens."
The funding will be available to use from 2025 to continue over the five year period of delivery.