The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 40,000 disabled people and individuals with health conditions receiving benefits will gain access to expanded personalised support. The Labour government is rolling out Support Conversations across an additional 27 DWP Jobcentres, bringing the total number of participating sites to 33.
What are Support Conversations?
Under this scheme, disabled people and those with health conditions who are out of work and on benefits are offered a voluntary, one-to-one hour-long conversation. These sessions are designed to discuss their support needs and identify extra help. Unlike standard Jobcentre appointments, Support Conversations adopt a holistic approach, covering not only employment but also housing, debt, skills, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.
Eligibility and expansion details
The conversations are open to individuals awaiting a Work Capability Assessment and those deemed furthest from the labour market, specifically those assessed as having Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA). The expansion builds on testing already underway at six sites, where healthcare professionals and disability employment advisers deliver the support. Early testing indicates that customers feel “listened to” and “supported.”
Ministerial statement
Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson said: "Too many disabled people and people with health conditions face barriers that stop them from accessing the support and opportunities they deserve. That is why we are expanding the number of sites delivering Support Conversations from 6 to 33 Jobcentres across Great Britain, giving up to 40,000 people personalised help tailored to their circumstances. Getting more people into good work is central to our Plan for Change and Support Conversations will help us do exactly this."
On-the-ground perspectives
Neil, a Disability Employment Adviser in Bournemouth, said: "Support Conversations are a great opportunity to spend an hour focused on the claimant and their needs. We all know that many people face a whole range of challenges which need to be overcome as part of their individual journey back to work and talking through those challenges with a DEA is an important first step. Support Conversations confirm that the most valuable resource we have is the time that we spend with our claimants."
Saimha, a Healthcare Professional in Preston, added: "Support Conversation is about providing compassionate, informed, holistic, person-centred support to disabled people and those with health conditions. Every interaction is an opportunity to make someone feel heard, safe, and supported. Every person’s health journey is unique and support conversation is an opportunity to identify the range of barriers people are facing in their day to day life and signposting them to the relevant services that can help, encouraging people to take positive steps towards improving their lives."
