European Social Fund in England

Advance to work Mencap

Funded by: Jobcentreplus Policy field 2.1, Project Group: Long term unemployed

Region: Government Office South West

Project Start Date: 01/01/2004

Project End Date: 31/03/2007

Details of the project

A beneficiary began at Mencap he was anxious due to a newly diagnosed medical problem, and refusing to attempt any form of reading and writing. His attendance and time keeping were also quite unstable. However he showed great leadership qualities and was able to use this skill to encourage other members of the group to participate in group activities.

He was shown by MENCAP advisers some of the most common words in the English language, and even surprised himself on how much he did know. With encouragement he began attempting to read and gradually gained the confidence to attempt to read other slightly longer words. He now is willing to ask for help in reading letters at home, whereas before he would get frustrated at not understanding what they said, getting angry with his mum. He has also learned to write his name and address using a computer. With support he improved both his time keeping and attendance.

The increase in confidence has helped the beneficiary to apply for a job by phone, as opposed to asking someone else to do it for him. He was also encouraged to smarten up his appearance, for a job interview, rather than wear the casual clothes he was wearing each day.

He has now fulfilled his ambition to work in a warehouse rather than working as a cleaner, after having a bad experience with a cleaning job. He has said "it took a long time for me to get where I am now, looking forward to working in a warehouse instead of cleaning…. Life is getting better"

Key Achievements

Out of 150 starts MENCAP have achieved 14 job outcomes, 20 Other Outcomes and 3 Non job centre Job Entries

For more information contact:

Jo Phillips

Project Manager

Tel: 02392 211605