Connect to Work: the Cornwall scheme behind John’s dream job

For more than 20 years, John Medlock was out of work. He had done the training. He had volunteered. He had the qualifications on paper. What he did not have, after so long away, was the confidence to sit across a desk from an employer and sell himself. Now he works full-time in Truro, in a role he calls his “dream job”.

John is one of the people already helped by Connect to Work, a new programme that has launched across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with the aim of supporting 3,120 people over the next four years.

What Connect to Work is

The programme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and delivered through Cornwall Council‘s People Hub. It offers personalised, one-to-one support for adults aged 18 and over who face barriers to finding or staying in work.

That covers people with health conditions and disabilities, people dealing with a range of other challenges that affect employment, and people already in a job who are at risk of losing it. Taking part is voluntary.

The People Hub acts as a single point of contact for employment, skills and careers support across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It works with each person to understand their needs and goals, then connects them with the most suitable help through the programme’s network of specialist delivery partners. According to its Connect to Work page, that means a dedicated Connector to help set job goals and build a plan, direct work with employers to find suitable roles, and ongoing help once someone is in a job.

Who can take part

To be eligible you need to live in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly, be 18 or over and have the right to work in the UK. You also need to be either out of work but motivated to start, or in work and at risk of losing your job.

The People Hub lists long-term health conditions, physical disabilities, neurodiversity, mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, care experience, a refugee background, experience of modern slavery and a history of offending among the barriers the programme is designed to help with.

📷John Medlock. Credit: People Hub

More than 20 years out of work

John claimed Employment and Support Allowance for more than two decades after a back injury, according to his People Hub success story. Over those years he gained care and support qualifications and did voluntary work, but paid work had not followed. Worries about his age, his limited recent work history and his disability had all worn down his confidence.

His Disability Work Coach in Truro referred him to Connect to Work, where he worked with an Employment Specialist from Reed in Partnership. Together they updated his CV and prepared him for interviews with tailored coaching and mock interviews, including the STAR technique for answering competency-based questions. He even had help with something to wear on the day.

John secured a role as a Social Prescriber with Stayathome Cornwall and has now started work full-time in Truro.

“I never wanted to give up on finding work, but after being out of employment for so long it wasn’t always easy to know where to start,” he said. “Connect to Work helped me build my confidence and recognise the skills and experience I already had. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received and excited to be starting this new chapter.”

Asking for help did not come easily. John said it “wasn’t easy as an ex-military member”. But as he puts it, “I am the only one who can change my situation.”

Looking beyond the gap on a CV

Lindsay Wake, Director of Community Outreach at CHAOS Group, which includes Stayathome, said: “John’s success shows what’s possible when employers look beyond gaps on a CV and focus on a person’s strengths and potential. With the right support, he has been able to take that important step back into employment and secure a role where he can make a real difference. It’s a fantastic outcome and one he should be very proud of.”

Help for employers too

Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment, said: “I’m pleased to see Connect to Work up and running in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Too many people who want to work face barriers that make it harder to find or keep a job. I encourage anyone looking for work, or worried about keeping their current job, to get in touch with the People Hub and find out how Connect to Work can help.

“The practical, personalised support will help more people find work and give them the best chance of succeeding once they’re there. It will also benefit local employers who may be facing recruitment challenges by opening up a wider and more diverse pool of motivated candidates.”

Employers can work with the programme to fill a vacancy or to support someone already on their team. The People Hub says that can mean a wider talent pool, lower recruitment time and costs, and better retention.

How to get in touch

Residents who want to find out more, and employers interested in working with the programme, can contact the People Hub at [email protected], on 0333 015 0699, or through the People Hub contact page.

Connect to Work builds on what the People Hub has already been doing. Since 2020 it has supported nearly 4,000 residents, helped more than 500 people into work and supported over 1,600 people to gain new qualifications.

📷The People Hub's Connect to Work stand. Credit: People Hub