People supported at Swanton services across the UK have been busy smashing the misconception that living with a learning disability is a barrier to employment.
The intrepid workers are making a big difference in their jobs and doing their bit to redress the shocking statistic that just 26.7% of people with learning disabilities are employed.
Their enthusiasm and hard work make them valued team members and brings so much to their lives and the organisations they work in.
Stephen, who is supported at Lynnwood, didn’t let the closure of the charity shop he was working in stop him from finding a new role.
As the Sense charity shop closed its doors, Stephen proactively applied to others in the area before finding a new job at St. Oswald’s Hospice Charity Shop in Gateshead.
He’s already impressed his new colleagues with his punctuality, speed and enthusiasm, earning Stephen a fantastic reputation at the shop already.
Over in Telford, Jade is also shining at her job in the Hub on the Hill.
Jade is raring to go every Tuesday as she gets to work serving drinks, re-stocking the fridge and chatting with customers.
For Jade, the job is an excellent chance to be a part of her community, meet people and get out and about.
The same is true for Paul from Station House, who has his own weekly job at the Dinnington Resource Centre in Sheffield.
He takes care of pot-washing at the busy community café once a week after the team prepares meals for elderly people in the local area.
Paul is proud to be part of the team and even gets a tasty weekly dinner for his efforts.
Over at Values In Care’s Head Office, Stephen from Maes-Y-Bryn and Samantha from Graig Llwyd both contribute to the smooth running of the office.
Stephen is in charge of the internal office mail, which he collects and then distributes to the services each week.
Meanwhile, Samantha looks after the shredding to ensure all confidential waste paper is disposed of safely.
Vocational Services Manager Lucy Williams has lauded the office duo for their ‘hard work and dedication’ and for doing ‘such a thorough job’.
Finally, Simon and David, who are supported at Oaktree, are getting set to start their new roles at the Llys Nini Rescue Centre in Swansea.
They’ll be working with animals taken in by the charity, who look to find each of their rescues a forever home.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for the lads to explore the world of work and spend time with animals, so they are excited to get going.
Congratulations to all the people we support who have done so well in the world of work.
