Connect to Work

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is partnering with local health, skills, employment, and community services to deliver a programme designed around the needs of our residents and employers.

Starting in January 2026, we’ll launch a free employment support service for people who are out of work or at risk of unemployment due to health conditions or other challenges. Our goal is simple: to help individuals across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire find, secure, and sustain long-term employment.

This locally tailored programme will provide practical support and guidance to overcome barriers, build confidence, and connect residents with opportunities that match their skills and aspirations.

The Connect to Work programme supports up to 4,000 people per year with personalised and one-to-one guidance to help you prepare for, find, and stay in work.

Our goal:

• Promote the benefits of work as part of a person’s wellbeing and recovery.
• Find jobs that are both flexible and sustainable for resident’s wellbeing and long-term health
• Help employers improve disability awareness and make recruitment processes more accessible for disabled candidates
• Build trust and interest in the programme among key audiences.
• Generate referrals through targeted messaging in health and community settings.

Who is it for?

Primary audiences:

• People with disabilities or long-term health conditions who are not currently working
• Individuals at risk of losing their job due to a health issue or other complex barriers to work

Secondary audiences:

• Carers and family members
• Community organisations and charities
• Frontline health professionals (GPs, nurses, social prescribers)
• Local employers and HR professionals

Why Connect to Work?

It’s a voluntary, local service designed around the individual, putting their health first. For clinicians and referrers, its a way to support recovery beyond prescriptions, just a referral starts the journey and the Connect to Work team walks alongside the participant every step of the way.