The Wise Group’s Connect service

The Wise Group is pleased to share an exciting expansion of its Connect service, which now supports individuals aged 16 and over, including those who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

Delivered remotely by qualified counsellors and subject‑matter experts, Connect is available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. The service supports thousands of people across the UK, offering the flexibility to join sessions anonymously and from the comfort of their own home.

A flexible, long‑term support offer

Individuals can access Connect for up to 12 months from the date of referral. The programme includes a wide range of expert‑led sessions across 25 life‑skills and wellbeing topics, including:

• Anxiety, depression and low mood

• PTSD and trauma

• Addiction (drugs, alcohol and gambling)

• Emotional and physical wellbeing

• Cost of living support, benefits and budgeting

  
  

The service is delivered for local authority employability, justice and aftercare teams, as well as housing associations and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

About Connect

Connect is a remote, interactive life‑skills platform delivered via Microsoft Teams by qualified counsellors and experienced practitioners. Since 2020, the service has supported thousands of individuals to better navigate everyday challenges and develop the skills needed to make positive, informed life choices.

The programme offers a practical “toolbox” of skills that participants can apply in their daily lives. Delivered seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, the service covers 26 topics, including:

• Overcoming anxiety

• Managing low mood and unhelpful thinking

• Emotional and physical wellbeing

• Benefits and budgeting

• Alcohol and drug education

• Gambling addiction

• PTSD and trauma

  
  

Each session lasts two hours, providing participants with the option to engage, share lived experiences and explore practical strategies in a safe, supportive environment.

Partner organisations are also provided with secure system access, enabling them to make referrals and track customer progress, including attended and upcoming sessions.

What’s new?

Referrals Now Open for Ages 16+

Previously available to those aged 18+, Connect now accepts referrals for young people aged 16 and above, supporting earlier intervention and access to professional help.

Introducing Connect with Mentoring

Alongside the standard Connect offer, The Wise Group now delivers Connect with Mentoring, providing enhanced, personalised support for young people.

This service includes:

• A dedicated mentor assigned to each participant

• Three structured needs assessments, covering up to 15 areas of need

• A focused approach across seven key outcome areas:

  • Digital Skills

  • Mental Wellbeing

  • Physical Health

  • Wellbeing, Self‑Esteem & Confidence

  • Addictions

  • Work Skills & Experience

    
    

Mentors use assessment outcomes to develop personalised action plans, provide targeted signposting to relevant services, and record activities and outcomes to support progress and sustained positive change.

About The Wise Group

The Wise Group is a UK‑wide social enterprise established in 1983, delivering person‑centred services that create positive social impact. They work in partnership with local authorities, the DWP and justice services, specialising in employability, community justice and energy advice.

To find out more, click here.