Connect to Work York
Partnership
Closed for new delivery partnersParticipants
Open for new participantsLocation
YorkAudience
Economically inactive individuals, or individuals in work experiencing significant barriers to progressionDeadline
N/AWhat is Connect to Work?
Funded through the Government’s Get Britain Working strategy, Connect to Work York is designed to tackle economic inactivity and support those who are currently excluded from the labour market. The programme focuses on individuals facing complex barriers to employment, including disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, providing tailored support to help them achieve their employment goals.
Through a locally led and partnership-driven approach, we will work alongside local specialists Working for Health and Waythrough to deliver personalised employment support using an evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. This means working closely with individuals to understand their strengths, aspirations and needs, matching them with suitable job opportunities, and providing ongoing in-work support to ensure long-term success.
The programme will play a key role in building a more inclusive local economy—connecting work, health and skills services to ensure people receive the right support at the right time. By working collaboratively with local partners, employers and communities, Connect to Work will help people not only find work, but sustain and progress within it.
Better Connect are leading the development of a strong regional partnership to deliver this programme, bringing together experienced organisations committed to improving employment outcomes and supporting individuals to realise their full potential.
How does it work?
- Understand their strengths, skills and aspirations
- Identify suitable job opportunities aligned to their interests
- Support with job searching, applications and interview preparation
- Engage with local employers to create inclusive opportunities
- Provide ongoing, in-work support to help sustain and progress in employment
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Are aged 18 or over and live in England.
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Are not currently on another DWP-funded programme.
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Are unemployed, or employed but at risk of losing your job (after 3+ months in your role, excluding zero-hour contracts).
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Have a health condition or disability or face significant barriers to work.
How can you get involved?
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Speaking to your Job Centre Work Coach or local support service
- Being referred by a health professional or community organisation
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Contacting our Better Connect team directly to find out more
News and Updates
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[Pictured – Keyworker Chris] For most of his adult life, Sean thought the problem was him. A former Aeronautical Engineer, he’d spent years of his working life in and out of high-pressure office environments, caught in a near-constant cycle of burnout, stress and ill health. Yo-yoing between GP appointments, medical investigations and repeated rounds
Better Connect Makes the Finals at ERSA’s 2025 Employability Awards
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Last month, we received some incredible news – Better Connect was shortlisted as a finalist for the ERSA 2025 Partnership and Collaboration Award. This brilliant category recognises organisations across the UK that are delivering genuinely exemplary support to jobseekers. To make the cut alongside some real employability giants was no small feat, and we
Connect to Work – Partnership Opportunity
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Opportunities
Connect to Work is launching across York and North Yorkshire! One of the Government’s five missions to kickstart economic growth with good jobs and improved productivity, Connect to Work is the latest Government initiative under their ‘Get Britain Working’ Strategy designed to tackle ‘hidden unemployment’ across the region. Officially launched for tender last week
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Connecting Work, Health and Skills Through Local Linking Events
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Join Us For Local Linking Events This July This July, we’re bringing together different stakeholders, partners, and organisations who make a real impact on the lives of local people across York and North Yorkshire. Throughout the month, we’ll be hosting a series of local linking events across our current delivery districts. These events are
A New Chapter: Launching Rise2Thrive & Trailblazer
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We’re Excited to Announce the Launch of Rise2Thrive and Trailblazer! On the 13th of May, we officially launched Rise2Thrive and Trailblazer — our two newest partnership programmes designed to unlock potential and expand opportunities for adults across York and North Yorkshire. Joined by our partnership of locally rooted community organisations, the Mayor of York
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SHINE
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IEP Professional Excellence Awards
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The Institute of Employability Professionals is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to improve lives for all in society. They are an international membership organisation for employability professionals – the people who support others gain work, progress in work, and retain work. Their vision is ‘Employability Professionals Everywhere Are The Best They Can Be’
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At the end of this month, we’ll sadly be saying goodbye to Multiply, a 3-year Government funded programme which has enabled thousands of adults across the country to improve their numeracy skills. Across the York & North Yorkshire region, our Multiply partnership has supported hundreds of individuals to find their numeracy feet and
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Skills Innovation Fund – Expression of Interest
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Last week Mayor David Skaith launched the Skills Innovation Fund to support skills development in the York and North Yorkshire region over a timeframe of two years, from April 2025 to March 2027. We believe that this fund could be a good fit for a future programme enabling us to offer ‘hidden curriculum’
Life in Colour – Impact Event
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On Friday 31st January, we held an event at Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate to celebrate the impact of our programmes and partnerships across Yorkshire. This was our largest event ever with 150 people booked on, our partners, participants, friends and key people from across Yorkshire. The theme of the event was ‘Life in
Join our approved delivery partner list!
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We’re excited to announce that we’re aware of potential opportunities being launched in the New Year, and would like to get as ready for these as possible! In light of this, we’ve created a new process to capture your details, and simplify our tendering process. By completing our ‘approved delivery partner list’, you can
Partnerships in Action – Rural Arts & Thrive Outside
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In September, our team spent an inspiring morning capturing some of the support taking place on the Rise2Thrive [R2T] programme with two of our delivery partners, Thirsk based charity Rural Arts, and York based Thrive Outside – a nature-based CIC combining their love of green spaces with outdoor crafts. Part of an ongoing collaboration
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We’ve recently launched a new programme for the people of York and North Yorkshire – have you heard? Following the success of our RISE programme, Rise2Thrive (R2T) is the new iteration, with new partners and a mission to support individuals at all stages of their employment journey. 30 partners strong, we’ve collaborated with many of our
Supporting Anchor Organisations to show their Impact
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Community Anchor Support
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Upcycling, Furniture Restoration & Community Engagement – Meet Futureworks
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Our Impact team recently spent the day in Scarborough visiting Futureworks, before heading down to Mindful Photography UK’s exhibition at The Street. Having worked with us over many years and multiple programmes, it’s clear the positive impact that Futureworks have on the Scarborough community, and it’s a pleasure to have the team as part of
Meet Our Programme Finance and Data Manager – Jacky
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Careers
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multiply
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As part of our ‘Meet The Team’ series, over the next few weeks we’ll be focusing on our Finance Department. We’ll celebrate their roles, responsibilities, and relationships with numbers – from crunching the all important data, to processing claims and financial forecasting (we couldn’t resist the Multiply twist!) Today, we’re hearing from our Programme
The Team
Alex Kelley
Programmes Director
01423 795309 or ext 2001akelley@betterconnect.org.uk
Community Grants Trailblazer Connect to Work York Finance Team Impact Internal Operations Rise2Thrive Trailblazer STEPUP Video Production
About Alex
Alex’s is the Programmes Director at Better Connect, overseeing the amazing programmes that we manage across the organisation. Leading and supporting the Programmes and Impact Team, Alex’s role has a strong focus on development. This includes developing staff, systems, processes and relationships with delivery partners, funders and stakeholders. All to ensure that Better Connect programmes are successful, achieve their aims and ultimately transform people’s lives. Alex is also an Executive Director and member of the Board, contributing to the strategic direction of the company. The best bit of his job is seeing the life-changing impact that Better Connect programmes have on those involved.
“We choose our joys and our sorrows long before we experience them.”
— Kahlil Gibran
The Official Bit
Alex has a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and a PTLLS teaching qualification. Alex began his career in customer service, moved to work in banking and then joined Better Connect following University in 2012. He felt a strong connection to the values and work within the community sector and has developed his career within the Better Connect, progressing from an Assistant to his current role as Programmes Director. Along the way, Alex has worked across almost every aspect of the company. For Alex, the most important part of work is feeling as though it is meaningful and that it is making a positive difference to society.
Fun Fact
Becomes overly competitive when playing sport or games
Piece of Advice
Count your blessings, every day.
Emily Lain
Finance and Audit Coordinator
01423 795300elain@betterconnect.org.uk
Community Grants Trailblazer Connect to Work York Finance Team Rise2Thrive Trailblazer STEPUP
About Emily
Emily is one of the Finance and Audit Co-ordinators for Better Connect. She started this role in January 2022 after finishing her time on her Kickstart role . Her responsibilities now include checking financial claims, audit work, elements of book keeping, and maintaining partner relationships. For Emily, the best parts about the job are the welcoming environment created by everyone, and knowing that the work she’s doing is helping to make a difference in people’s lives.
“Get busy living or get busy dying”
— Stephen King
The Official Bit
Emily has a BA (Hons) in Equestrian Management and Development from Myerscough College. She previously worked at Subway and has experience working in the equine industry. Working in an organisation like Better Connect is a first for Emily and she has enjoyed the progression from Kickstart Assistant, to a fulltime member of the finance team.
Emily is excited to learn more about the workings of the voluntary sector and how she can be a part of it. She’s passionate about getting involved with promotional activities for Better Connects’ programmes, reading people’s experiences, and supporting the network of partners across the projects.
Fun Fact
I knew how to ride a horse before I knew how to ride a bike
Favourite Place
The lake/ponds local to where I live
Jacky Wendon
Programme Finance and Data Manager
01423 795307 or ext 2015JWendon@betterconnect.org.uk
Community Grants Trailblazer Connect to Work York Finance Team Rise2Thrive Trailblazer STEPUP
About Jacky
Jacky is our Finance and Data Manager and is responsible for data collation, research, compliance, analysis and reporting for our projects as well as undertaking Internal Audits and supporting and coaching the Finance team.
Jacky really enjoys Analytical work and likes to think she has an eye for detail! She is a natural organiser and feels lucky to be part of a team where people are valued and listened to. Better Connect is a supportive and welcoming environment and everyone is so friendly.
The Official Bit
Jacky has a background in the Commercial and Financial industry and over the last 17 years she has worked in roles where she has done a mixture of Business Support, Audits, Finance, HR, Research, Data, Analysis and Systems support. Here at Better Connect, Jacky feels that she can use the skills she has gained throughout her career to thrive in her role at a company where she truly believed in their values.
Jacky started at Better Connect in November 2020 as a Finance and Audit Co-ordinator responsible for checking financial claims and undertaking Audit work. Since then, she progressed into becoming the Finance and Data Manager in 2022 where she feels she is able to utilise her Analytical, Organisational, Finance and Management skills further which she thoroughly enjoys.
Jacky really enjoys working alongside amazing people who support and encourage each other and being part of an organization who really care about each other and help make a difference in transforming people’s lives.
Fun Fact
I love older music, particularly 60s Music!
Piece of Advice
It’s nice to be nice, so treat people how you would like to be treated.
Favourite Place
Madeira – It’s so beautiful, dramatic and inspiring
Joanna Mason
Relationship Manager
jmason@betterconnect.org.ukCommunity Grants Trailblazer Connect to Work York Rise2Thrive Trailblazer STEPUP
About Joanna
Jo is really excited to have recently joined Better Connect as a Relationship Manager. Passionate about helping people and organisations thrive, she loves building meaningful connections, sharing ideas, and creating partnerships that make a real difference. She enjoys meeting new people, hearing their stories, and finding ways to bring out the best in everyone. Outgoing, fun, curious, and deeply people-focused, Jo truly believes that great things happen when we learn and grow together.
As she settles into her role at Better Connect, Jo is focused on shaping it with purpose, using her strengths, curiosity, and practical approach to support real impact. She’s looking forward to seeing how the role evolves and contributing to the future of Better Connect in a way that’s authentic and meaningful.
“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing ”
— Herman Melville
The Official Bit
I’m a Tourism Management graduate with a lifelong passion for travel and connecting with people from all walks of life, still quietly hoping I’ll write that travel blog and wander off in my flip-flops one day. Most of my career has been centred around learning and development, supporting organisations and individuals to build skills, confidence, and direction. Those years taught me what helps people grow and what organisations need to help their teams thrive.
Now, as a Relationship Manager at Better Connect, I get to bring all of that experience together. I enjoy building meaningful partnerships, connecting people with opportunities, and contributing to work that genuinely makes a difference. Work matters to me because it gives me purpose, knowing that what I do can support someone’s progress or belief in themselves.
I hold an ILM qualification in Leadership and Management, along with accreditation in GlobeSmart, a cultural intelligence tool that supports effective communication across differences. I’m currently studying for a Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice, deepening my understanding of people, behaviour, and emotional intelligence. I’ve also completed a Mindfulness-Based Living Course, which helps me approach challenges with empathy, awareness, and curiosity.
I hope to keep developing my expertise in people development and relationship-focused work, strengthening my ability to create positive outcomes and opportunities for others.
Fun fact
I was once an aspiring ballerina
Piece of advice
Wonder more, worry less!
Favourite place
Anywhere new to explore!
Jonah Potter
Finance and Audit Coordinator
01423 795314 or ext 2013JPotter@betterconnect.org.uk
Community Grants Trailblazer Connect to Work York Finance Team Rise2Thrive Trailblazer STEPUP
About Jonah
Jonah is one of the Finance and Audit Coordinator at Better Connect. Internally, he assists staff in finance functions through auditing. Externally, he assists our partners across our partnership programmes. The best part of his job is constantly learning and being challenged as well as the amazing team he works within.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
”
— Mahatma Gandhi
The Official Bit
Jonah started his career in a multinational financial technology company and progressed to Better Connect in 2019. He originally started out as a Programmes Coordinator and has since moved into a more finance focused role.
Jonah believes that the third sector is a vital part of creating a kinder and more inclusive society.
Favourite Place
St Andrews Golf Course
Favourite Book
The Lord of the Rings
Julie Geraghty
Head of Programme Finance and Audit
01423 795317 or ext 2004JGeraghty@betterconnect.org.uk
Community Grants Trailblazer Connect to Work York Finance Team Rise2Thrive Trailblazer STEPUP
About Julie
Julie is Head of Programme Finance and audit, so is responsible for ensuring the programme operates compliantly within all the funding regulations. She particularly loves the nitty gritty detail and finding solutions to help smooth out any issues. The best thing about working here is the fabulous team of people and the genuine culture of nurture and support.
“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best
”
— Henry Van Dyke
The Official Bit
Julie has a BA (Hons) in Urban Geography and a Certificate in Management from Leeds University. She began her career piloting and running projects within the Chamber of Commerce and then later with the then Training and Enterprise Council. She took a career break whilst bringing up her children and worked part-time in a call centre for a well-known bank where she gained valuable experience of frontline customer service. Following redundancy, Julie set up her own business which she ran for several years until being drawn back into programme management, ultimately leading her to Better Connect in 2018.
Julie is a strong believer in the provision of opportunities for everyone and this runs through the core of Better Connect.
Piece of Advice
Be a mindful spender – Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves
Favourite Place
Nidd Gorge and the stunning wooded walks
Natasha Babar-Evans
Chief Executive Officer
07725447623nbabarevans@betterconnect.org.uk
Bids Community Grants Trailblazer Connect to Work York Finance Team Impact Internal Operations Rise2Thrive Trailblazer STEPUP
About Natasha
Natasha is the Chief Executive Officer at Better Connect. Natasha is proud to be leading this amazing team at Better Connect who are helping to make Yorkshire a place where every person can thrive in life and work. Better Connect has a great track record of delivery, partnership working and an incredibly committed team which are helping to transform lives. Natasha joined in May 2022 and instantly connected with the team and our vision. Natasha is focused on empowering the team and our partners to do more and be more. She absolutely loves being part of a team who are so full of purpose, thrive on autonomy and are experts in what we do. But it’s not just about the impact we are making and achieving our goals for Natasha, it’s about how we do it and having loads of fun along the way.
““Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible””
— Dalai Lama
The Official Bit
Natasha has always enjoyed working in roles which are focused on enabling people and businesses to thrive in the North.
Before joining Better Connect as CEO, Natasha worked at Relate Bradford & Leeds helping people to develop and sustain healthy relationships and improve their mental health and wellbeing. She has been an entrepreneur and COO of Wizu Workspace a flexible workspace provider supporting the growth of businesses in Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield.
Natasha completed an MBA at Leeds University in 2016, where she is now a leader in residence. She then went on to be Regional Entrepreneur Director for NatWest supporting and helping to coach hundreds of entrepreneurs in accelerators across the North to start, scale and succeed. Natasha has both a banking and legal background. She worked as a banking lawyer at Walker Morris following which she joined Regional Lloyds Bank team as the Regional Sales Director and Client Services Director.
Natasha was appointed as a board member and trustee in 2021 for Trust Leeds, she has been on LEP investment steering groups, she has recently been appointed as an independent panel member at AFC(H) and is completing a NED insights programme shadowing NHS boards.
Fun Fact
I love grass roots football! I play for Leeds City Lasses and help coach under 8 and 9 girls football. (I love playing sports…I might be just a little bit competitive!)
Piece of advice
Outside of your comfort zone is where the magic happens