Better Connect

Together we can make Yorkshire a place where every person can thrive in their life and work

10/06/2026

launch event for year two of Rise2Thrive Trailblazer! 🙌

Over the past year, we've had the privilege of leading a partnership of more than 30 specialist VCSE organisations, united by a shared ambition: helping people across York and North Yorkshire overcome barriers to employment through personalised, place-based support.

Together, we've supported more than 1,300 people across the region, with 78% progressing towards employment, job search, education or training.

Yesterday was an opportunity to celebrate those achievements, reflect on what we've learned as a partnership, and look ahead to the next chapter of the programme.

It was also a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when local organisations come together around shared ambition and investment.

We can’t wait for another year of local partnerships, local expertise, and region-wide social impact 🤝

Stay tuned for more on year 2 of this programme!

*Rise2Thrive Trailblazer forms part of the Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, which helps people in York and North Yorkshire with health conditions return to work. The programme is delivered through York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and led by Better Connect. *

04/06/2026

What does leadership in employability look like?

For our CEO, Natasha Babar-Evans, it's about staying connected to the people, partnerships and ideas helping to shape the future of the profession.

We're delighted to share that Natasha has recently been awarded Fellowship of The Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP).

The Fellowship recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to employability practice and are committed to advancing the profession.

As Natasha reflects:

"This Fellowship feels like recognition not just of my own journey, but of the amazing people and partnerships I've had the privilege of alongside."

Swipe for more, and head to the link our bio to read our CEO's full reflections!

03/06/2026

"It's just given me breathing space as a business." 💬

For Founder and Managing Director Sally Haslewood, that's exactly what LEAP has provided.

Additional capacity. Reduced recruitment risk. More time to focus on growing the business.

For Emma, a mum of four returning to work, it’s meant a flexible and supportive opportunity to rebuild confidence and rediscover her identity beyond motherhood.

Could LEAP create breathing space for your business or support your return to work too?

Get involved via the link in our bio.

26/05/2026

Calling all West Yorkshire VCSE organisations! 📢

We’re building a proposed partnership for Connect to Work across West Yorkshire, a new employment support programme helping people facing health-related and complex barriers move towards and sustain ‘good’ work.

At Better Connect, we believe locally rooted organisations are best placed to support people within their communities, which is why partnership sits at the heart of everything we do 💙

We’re now looking to connect with organisations with experience in Individual Placement Support (IPS), who may be interested in joining our proposed delivery model across the region.

Sound like a good fit for your organisation?

Then we’d love to hear from you!

👉 Expressions of Interest now open
📅Deadline: Monday 15th June, COP
🔗 More info via the link in our bio/ QR code

06/05/2026

Last year, we captured 's 'Forever Young’ event for national campaign, Age Without Limits 🦪

Almost a year on, we’ve launched Better Connect Productions: a videography service supporting charities, not-for-profits, and purpose-led organisations to tell stories that matter.

Have a pearl of wisdom, event, or story you’re keen to share?

Let’s chat 👇

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.betterconnect.org.uk (Impact > Better Connect Productions)

23/04/2026

🧩 At Better Connect, we’re partnering with employers across the region who want to grow their teams and make a positive social impact. The LEAP Programme offers a brilliant opportunity to do just that 🧩

The programme supports individuals who have been out of work to rebuild confidence, skills and routine.

Joanna has been out visiting some of the amazing individuals taking part in the LEAP programme. One of those is Jack, who is currently completing a 3-month placement with Thirsk-based organisation Community Works CIO, Thirsk. Jack has had the opportunity to work across many areas of the organisation, gaining valuable skills and experience such as working in the food bank, men’s shed, reuse shop, and much more.

"I am enjoying working at Community Works, completing the tasks I am given, and using quieter periods to carry out research or take on additional jobs that need doing.

Also, my confidence has grown since I started back in February, as I have been working with a wide range of staff at Community Works and taking on different tasks rather than doing the same job every day.

The staff I work with, along with employment support, have supported me throughout my LEAP placement and are helping me prepare for my next steps to ensure I have something in place"

LEAP is funded by the UK Government, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and managed by North Yorkshire Council and Better Connect

22/04/2026

🎬 Launching 'Better Connect Productions' 🎬

Our new impact driven video and photography service which help you better connect to your audience. Offering..

🎥 Impact Stories and Case Studies - Emotive, testimonial-driven films highlighting the real change experienced by individuals

🎉 Event Coverage - Event filming that goes beyond the day. Creating high quality video and photography that gives your event a lasting impact

🧩 Educational Videos - Training videos that engage your audience. Clear, accessible, and built to last

📸 Impact Photography - Professional photos that tell a story in a single glance

Are you a community organisation who needs help capturing your impact? A funder who needs to demonstrate the real difference your funding is making? A business who needs to prove your commitment to social value?

We can help! Connect with Hannah Prole on [email protected] for more information or visit our website www.betterconnect.org.uk 💫

08/04/2026

Our Keyworker model is at the heart of everything we do.

Every participant is supported by a consistent, trusted person who understands their goals, challenges and progress. This relationship helps build confidence, removes barriers and ensures support is tailored - not one size fits all.

Our keyworkers don't just deliver sessions, they..

☀️ Build meaningful, supportive relationships
☀️ Help participants set and achieve realistic goals
☀️ Provide one to one guidance and encouragement
☀️ Connect individuals with opportunities and services
☀️ Track progress and celebrate every success

This personalised approach helps people feel heard, supported and empowered - ultimately creating a greater impact on participants lives.

07/04/2026

🧩 Building a more inclusive local economy—connecting work, health and skills services to ensure people receive the right support at the right time 🧩

We are excited to announce that we are leading the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Connect to Work programme in York, working alongside local IPS specialists Working for Health CIC and Waythrough 🎉

Connect to Work provides personalised, one-to-one support tailored to each individual’s needs, goals and circumstances. Participants will be matched with a dedicated Employment Specialist who will work alongside them to:

💫 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

Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach, the programme focuses on rapid access to employment, with ongoing support in-work to ensure long-term success.

Want more information contact our Relationship Manager, Joanna Mason at [email protected] or call her on 01423795309

24/03/2026

.art create safe, welcoming environments where people can explore creativity as a way to support their mental health and wellbeing 🌸🎨

Through their Trailblazer Community Grants project, they've been able to offer opportunities for individuals to come together, express themselves and build confidence through creativity.

Hannah had the pleasure of meeting some of the people that took part and hear the amazing impact it's had on them...

Address

Chain Lane Community Centre, Chain Lane
Knaresborough
HG50AS

Opening Hours

Monday

9am - 5pm

Website

https://betterconnect.org.uk/

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