Celebrating its fifth anniversary last Friday, Richmond Work Match programme has announced a new drive to help residents over 40 update their skills and return to work.
For the past five years, Richmond Council’s Work Match has built a strong foundation for employment support, connecting residents with job opportunities and training to improve work readiness.
The new Connect to Work initiative expands on Work Match’s approach, focusing on supporting residents with long-term health conditions or disabilities to return to meaningful work.
Councillor Phil Giesler said: “We’ve done a lot of work as well in terms of helping to get people, particularly those over 40, more ready for work.
“Connect to Work” builds on our previous employment programmes — it’s about making sure we can help more people with health conditions or disabilities overcome barriers and get back into work.”
The Connect to Work programme is designed to give residents tailored support based on their individual circumstances, from health challenges to career breaks, with a strong focus on rebuilding confidence.
Cllr Giesler explained many people who join the scheme have been out of work for some time and need help to regain self-belief.
He said: “It’s not just about making someone ready for work.
“It’s about building their confidence, so they feel able to take that next step.”
The initiative opens up flexible routes for people from disadvantaged groups to find and keep jobs, while also supporting those already employed but at risk of losing their positions to stay in work.
“For many, it’s about finding their sense of purpose again,” he added.
As part of its wider employment strategy, the council has also placed particular focus on residents in their 40s, describing it as “a critical point” in many people’s lives.
The councillor added for others, it can be a moment of reflection and change
Cllr Giesler said: “It’s often the age whereby they’ve had time out to look after their children and are beginning to look to get back into the workforce.
“After 15 years or so in a job, people start thinking about what they want to do next.”
Over the past five years, Richmond Work Match has helped more than 1,000 residents, with 300 securing jobs directly.
The programme has received positive feedback from participants, with around 50% expected to secure work within six months.
Through one-to-one coaching, skills training and wellbeing support, the programme aims to help participants feel prepared not only for job interviews but for a return to everyday working life.
For more information or to sign up, visit www.richmondworkmatch.org.
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