Getting back into work and training can be really difficult. Just knowing where to start, what skills are in demand and what you can access around family life can feel overwhelming. Questions about your entitlement to benefits can also make it feel really confusing.

The Supporting Families Initiative is an initiative between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the local authority that helps families access and maintain employment. DWP job centre advisors work closely with families to provide employment, training and benefit support.

If you would like support into employment/training or benefits advice, please speak to a Lewisham Family Hub Navigator, Social Worker, Family Practitioner or School to be referred to a Supporting
Families Employment Adviser!

Lewisham Works can help too

Lewisham Works is a free service for Lewisham residents seeking support to gain new skills and get a job.

Lewisham Works is a free service to support unemployed residents in to good jobs.

They work closely with training partners and businesses to provide pathways into a range of jobs in various sectors.

They offer:

A dedicated Employment and Training Advisor
Careers advice and guidance
CV development, job application support and interview techniques
Sector specific training
Access to volunteering and work experience opportunities
Access to vacancies and apprenticeships in Lewisham and the surrounding areas
Financial advice to maximise the benefit of working
Funds available for childcare and travel in the first few weeks of a new job

If you want to join Lewisham Works, please emailJobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.ukand an advisor will be in touch with you.

If you are a business who would like to recruit local talent, then Lewisham Works can support you too at no cost to your business.

Further support

Community Connections list of groups and services that can support with Employability

Lewisham employment support and careers advice

Employment Advice directory from the New X Gate Trust

Citizens Advice Employment Advice

“My child and I have really enjoyed coming to Little Explorers. It has helped my child to get used to see other babies and have interaction with them, which has been really important for him after the pandemic.”

“It's absolutely fab to be able to have access to all of the Domestic Abuse services in one place and to just click on a link to get to the website.”

“The Children Centre is our favourite place to come, we have been coming here since my child was 6 months old, he is now 4 years old and is still enjoying! Well done staff”

“I have just found the ‘taking care of ourselves’ section, which is massively important for us all, especially compassion fatigue.”

“The help and support that my family support worker gave me was above and beyond, she was always there to listen to me and make me feel like I was good enough and I was being heard.”

“The Outreach Team have such outgoing, friendly and fun personalities and made each Outdoor Learning session a great experience.”

“The Explorers session has helped my child a lot with his communication and his development. It’s really been impactful for him; we are really grateful to have this opportunity to attend the session and meet other parents as well.”

“The sessions help my daughter with speaking English, as well as helping her to listen and follow directions. I am very happy, my baby is very happy, and I feel relief when I come.”

“The Children Centre is very beneficial for my child, she has developed lots of skills e.g., sharing toys and naming colours. Also, the staff are very friendly and helpful.”

Welcome to the Lewisham Children and Family Centre Website

Are you looking for support into work or training?

Lewisham Works can help too