Programme helping people find employment launched

An employment programme for people with long-term health conditions and disabilities has been opened in Devon.

The voluntary programme, Connect to Work, would support more than 800 people across Devon, including the Plymouth and Torbay council areas, to help them find employment, organisers said.

It would also provide support to people in work who were at risk of losing their jobs who also had disabilities or health conditions, they added.

Torbay Council deputy leader Chris Lewis said it would "break down barriers" and "open up more opportunities for our residents".

The programme was offering access to specialist employment advisors, organisers said.

The free, voluntary programme was being delivered in Torbay by Eat That Frog CIC (Community Interest Company) and I Can Do That! CIC, they added.

Lewis added: "The comprehensive, personalised support on offer through the programme will help hundreds of Torbay residents into work, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to realise their potential."

Hannah Rendle, from Eat That Frog CIC, said: "We work with hundreds of people across our community who want to move into work but need the right support to get there."

People can sign up on the Eat That Frog CIC website or the Devon County Council website.

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