MAXIMUS welcomed three members of the Senedd to a special event at the Grand Hotel in Swansea on 31st January 2025, celebrating the transformational impact of Maximus’ specialist employment services.
For the last seven years, Maximus has been offering up to 21 months of tailored, intensive support through the Work and Health Programme (WHP) to individuals facing challenges to employment. In addition, the Work and Health Programme Pioneer (WHPP) has been further supporting those with additional barriers, including veterans, carers, refugees, and others in need of assistance since its launch in September 2023. In Swansea, more than 1,700 people have so far been supported through these services, with thousands more supported across South West Wales.
At the event, attendees celebrated the incredible achievements of participants, partners, and employers who have made a lasting impact on those with disabilities and health conditions in Wales, with awards presented by Senedd members.
Awards were presented to An Apple A Day CIC, a member of our Community Partnership Network for the last five years, who has been committed to supporting job seekers across Wales. While our employer partner, TUI, was also recognised for their innovative partnership with Maximus. WHP participant Lewis David Rees received the Outstanding Achievement Award after overcoming significant health challenges to return to his ministry work.
Rebecca Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Gower, who presented an award, said: “It was a great pleasure to celebrate the success of the Work and Health Programme across South West Wales since 2017. The work has all been about transforming people’s lives, and it was wonderful to hear the individual stories of people who have been helped – and to see the passion and commitment of the staff.”


Maximus has been a leading provider of employment and disability support services in Wales for more than 75 years, helping individuals with health conditions and disabilities overcome significant barriers to employment and secure sustainable work.
Fundamental to our delivery is the innovative Community Partnership Network, which brings together the best of private, public and voluntary sector organisations to collaborate, innovate and deliver a range of integrated services, such as, skills training, health and social care services, debt advice and mental health support.
As a Disability Confident Leader, promoting disability confidence remains at the heart of our approach. By developing strong relationships with hundreds of local and national employers, we’re empowering employers to build accessible and inclusive workplaces for our participants, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Claire Davies, Regional Contracts Director at Maximus, said: “Maximus is proud to support people with multiple barriers across Southwest Wales find sustainable employment and it was wonderful to welcome Rebecca Evans and Althaf Hussain to celebrate the success of our programmes.
“Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building on this success, expanding our support to even more individuals in the area. Through initiatives like the Work and Health Programme (WHP) and Work and Health Programme Pioneer (WHPP), we are able to not only help individuals overcome barriers to employment but also contribute to the local economy by empowering people to build fulfilling, long-term careers.”