European Social Fund in England

Pathway to employment for people with learning difficulties

There was a considerable gap in provision in Norfolk for people (19 to 50 years of age) with learning difficulties to provide opportunities for personal choice and self-development within the world of work. Jobcentreplus/ESF/ co-finance funding allowed the Assist Trust a small local charity that offers basic skills, education, and personal development training for adults with learning difficulties to develop and run a pre-employment training course.

The 39 beneficiaries who have previously been considered long term unemployed, took up the activities on this specifically designed course with tremendous enthusiasm and motivation. Currently 20 are in some form of work experience, learning and enhancing their skills that they have to offer prospective employers and 6 people have gained permanent paid employment and are currently enjoying the satisfaction and status associated with being employed in their local community.

The course included activities associated with applying for and gaining employment such as health & safety, working through fears, personal strengths and ambitions, career exploration, CV preparation and production, letter writing, dealing with application forms, telephone and interview techniques, coping with setbacks and many other relevant topics.

An example of this is Diane a beneficiary who has slowly gained confidence and skills whilst at Assist Trust. Diane was offered the opportunity to participate in the course and started a voluntary work experience placement with a local Oxfam store, from this experience Diane was able to learn skills that eventually led to her joining the Women's Royal Voluntary Service to further her retail training. Diane now works 2 days per week as a volunteer in their shop at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital and is able to interact with customers, work without supervision on the tills and is a well respected, honest, reliable member of the team.

The general manager, Jane McCall, of WRVS at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital talking about Diane said, "One young lady has demonstrated remarkable achievements within the retail shop here". With the assistance of the Shaw Trust the future now looks bright for Diane as Sainsbury's a well-known supermarket has now offered Diane permanent paid employment for two days per week.

This story shows how much can be achieved by giving people with learning difficulties the opportunities to show what they can do.

For more information please contact:

Malcolm Thompson

Supported Employment Co-ordinator

Assist Trust

E-mail: assisttrust@aol.com

Tel: 01603 425451

Fax: 01603 425452

Website: http://www.assisttrust.pagehere.com