Just over a year ago, Your Choice Barnet started an employment project dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities.
The Your Choice Barnet Employment project welcomes referrals to help people with sensory and physical disabilities as well as those with mental health conditions or on the autism spectrum.
It’s been amazing to see the effect this project has been having on the customers – they have been able to build their confidence and even better, gain paid employment.
We are delighted to be able to share two of our Your Choice Barnet success stories from Paul and Lewis.
Paul: “My name is Paul and I have been wanting to work for many years. I have been volunteering with a gardening project for years now, but I wanted to do something different. I am so happy to be able to say, ‘I am employed now’. I work in a kitchen and my job is hard work but I am getting better at it. I still have a job coach who travel trains me as well. I really want to travel independently. Then I can go to Hope Corner community Centre as well by myself. I can’t wait to get my first pay check!”
Lewis now works at a golf club. He works alongside another young man who has autism. Both had been previously attending a scheme in Highgate. Lewis’ job coach was full of praise for the progress has made: “This was an excellent job match for Lewis and a way for him to use the skills he already had. He is also due to move into supported living in the coming months and is hoping his working hours will be extended at the Golf club or that we can find him a second job. He is keen to work with cars!”
Well done to Paul and Lewis for taking such huge steps to progress with their independence. We hope to secure employment for many more Your Choice Barnet customers through its employment project.