An £11 million support programme to help people across Cumbria find and stay in work has been officially launched.
Cumbria Connect to Work, a locally-delivered programme is backed by government funding secured by Cumbria Combined Authority.
The programme provides tailored one‑to‑one support for people who face additional challenges in gaining or sustaining employment.
It aims to offer a flexible alternative to traditional employment schemes.
It has been successfully piloted across Cumbria since January and is now being rolled out on a major scale.
Cumbria Connect to Work is aimed at people who are economically inactive or at risk of falling out of work, helping them to build confidence, develop skills and move into good‑quality, sustainable employment.
The programme is delivered by Enterprising Cumbria, which formally transferred into the Cumbria Combined Authority on May 1.
It was officially launched on Wednesday at Sunbeams Music Centre in Penrith.
The launch event featured contributions from partners at the heart of the programme’s delivery, alongside an employer case study from Stagecoach demonstrating the vital role local businesses can play in supporting inclusive, high‑quality employment.
Jennifer struggles with learning difficulties and struggles with interviews. A Facebook plea saw someone suggest contacting Inspira and joining the Connect to Work programme. She is one of the programme’s early success stories after securing – and thriving – in her new role as a bus driver.
She said: “I joined Connect to Work because I got a lot of help in college and after that I struggled to get a job. There’s a gap, there’s no help out there for you.”
Jennifer was helped not only during the application and interview process, but also in ensuring there was additional support in place during both the induction and in her everyday work.
She added: “Anyone that’s been in my situation I would highly recommend Connect to Work.”
Councillor Mark Fryer, chair of Cumbria Combined Authority, added: “Connect to Work is about breaking down the barriers that stop too many people from getting into work, even when they have a lot to offer.
“By working closely with delivery partners, employers and community organisations, we are making sure support is rooted in local needs and leads to real, sustainable jobs.
“This programme is a strong example of how collaboration across Cumbria can deliver better outcomes for residents and the economy.”
John Barradell OBE, interim chief executive of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “Connect to Work is about making support work properly for people, not forcing them into a one‑size‑fits‑all system.
“By bringing £11m of government funding into Cumbria and moving delivery into the combined authority through Enterprising Cumbria, we’re keeping decisions local and focused on what actually helps people into jobs.
“It’s a really important part of how we get Cumbria working.”
Enterprising Cumbria is responsible for delivering the programme on the ground, working closely with local partners, employers and communities across the county. Inspira is the lead delivery partner supporting residents into employment through the programme.
Mark Bowman, chief executive at Inspira, said: “Connect to Work allows us to offer personalised, practical support that reflects the real challenges people face.
“By working closely with the combined authority and Enterprising Cumbria, we can tailor support around individuals and link that directly to opportunities with local employers. It’s a strong model that is already making a difference.”
