UKSPF project: WorkingSense

Project lead: Centre of Sign-Sight-Sound

This project is being funded in the UKSPF transition year.

Find out more about the UKSPF transitional year.

Project overview

WorkingSense will help to improve the job prospects of economically inactive people with a disability or sensory loss (people who are deaf or have hearing loss and people who are blind or have vision loss) that are aged 25 or older. WorkingSense will have specialist staff offering one-to-one help with getting into or returning to work and staying employed.

Project updates

Project summary December 2022 to March 2025

The Working Sense project made a strong impact in Denbighshire, exceeding most of its output and outcome targets across Conwy, Denbighshire, and Flintshire.

In Denbighshire, participants reported increased confidence, digital skills, and vocational qualifications, with many progressing into volunteering or employment in sectors like retail, care, and digital.

The project’s tailored 1:1 support was especially valued, helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Welsh language and BSL courses enhanced accessibility, while transport barriers in rural areas were addressed through localised support.

Personal stories highlighted transformative journeys, including a return to education and employment for long-term NEET individuals.

Overall, the project significantly improved employability, wellbeing, and inclusion for disabled and health-challenged adults over 25 in Denbighshire.

March 2024

Working Sense is progressing very well. The team have focussed heavily on referral engagement in recent months, attending various networking events within the Jobcentres and local community. This has proven to be highly successful, generating a number of referrals and building their relationship with our existing network and forming new connections within the local authority.

The team currently have a presence in the Jobcentre bi-weekly and have also been working closely with Maximus to support customers on the Restart and Working Health programme.

The team organised an Information Sharing Day which was held on February 27th. Organisations across all three authorities were invited to attend with the aim of promoting the project and discussing collaborative working moving forward.

They are also engaging with employers and Employment Engagement Officers within the DWP and local authorities with the aim to help reduce the barriers that beneficiaries face in securing employment and also educating employers on topics such as access to work.