Connect to Work
East Sussex
Personalised employment support for adults in East Sussex who face barriers to finding or keeping work, including people experiencing mental health challenges or other complex circumstances.
How to access
Connect to Work is delivered across East Sussex by a number of specialist providers who support people facing a range of challenges – from long-term health conditions and neuro-differences, to homelessness, caring responsibilities, or experiences of the criminal justice system. The programme is funded by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Southdown delivers the Connect to Work service for people with mental health needs, bringing together our long-standing expertise in mental health and employment support to help people move forward in their recovery and working lives.
How we can support you
Our dedicated employment specialists work alongside you to understand your needs, strengths, and ambitions.
We take time to get to know you, then help you:
- Explore your goals and what kind of work suits you
- Build a personalised Employment Action Plan
- Find and apply for suitable jobs
- Assess ongoing in-work and off the job support
- Navigate conversations with employers to access both on and off the job support
- Link up with health services and other support systems
Our approach is person-centred, flexible, and focused on your wellbeing every step of the way.
Who is Connect to Work for?
Connect to Work is for adults (18+) in East Sussex who want to work but face challenges in getting or keeping a job due to mental health needs or other complex circumstances.
To apply for Connect to Work, you must:
- Be 18 or older
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Have settled UK status and access to public funds (benefits)
- Not be enrolled in a DWP employment programme
Take a closer look at who can apply and find out if Connect to Work is right for you:
Who can apply?Ready to express your interest in applying to Connect to work? Do it through the button below:
Apply for Connect to WorkAm I eligible?
Support is available for adults aged 16+ living in Sussex who are using a mental health service and are motivated about exploring their employment goals.
We also offer a specialist service for young people who are accessing services from NHS Early Intervention Teams.
Find out more:
Talk to the team and find out how Connect to Work can support you:
Southdown is the lead provider for UOK mental health and wellbeing networks in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex.