Connect to Work is a new UK Government–funded programme designed to help employers build a stronger, more resilient workforce. It supports businesses to recruit motivated people with disabilities, health conditions, or other complex needs, connecting local talent with local employers and opening doors for individuals who are too often overlooked.

Alongside recruitment support, the programme also offers tailored help for existing employees who may be struggling to stay in work due to health or personal challenges.

Inspira would like to invite you to an online Connect to Work Employer Discovery Session, a small focus group with around 12 trusted employer partners. This session will:

• Introduce the programme and how it works for both employers and participants
• Outline the support available to help you recruit and retain staff
• Explore how employers can get involved
• Gather your insights on what matters most to you

As the chosen delivery partner for Connect to Work Inspira want to understand your priorities, hear your reactions to the programme, and ensure their marketing, communications, and key messages reflect what employers genuinely need. As a valued employer partner, your feedback is essential.

There’s a discovery session in each Council area:

Tuesday 2nd June 9.30am to 10.30am for those in the Cumberland area

Thursday 4th June at 9.30am to 10.30am for those in the Westmorland & Furness area

To express your interest in either session please email Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Support with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce – lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk (please specific which session).

Inspira are pleased to share that all of their local launch events for Connect to Work have now taken place, with more than 150 attendees joining us across Barrow, Carlisle, and Whitehaven. Thank you to everyone who came along to learn more about the programme and show support for this important initiative.

During the launch presentations, Inspira shared a powerful employer case study featuring Stagecoach, highlighting the real impact inclusive employment can have for both individuals and businesses - you can watch the video here

For those who were unable to attend in person, Inspira will be hosting a final online session towards the end of May (date to be confirmed). This will be another opportunity to hear about the programme, meet delivery partners, and explore how we can work together to support inclusive employment across our communities.