Learning Disability Week: Charlotte finds employment thanks to Enable Supported Employment

It’s Learning Disability Week and this year’s annual campaign is showcasing the incredible things that people with a learning disability can achieve, smashing misconceptions about what people can do and shining a light on the stigma many still face every day.

Charlotte came through Shropshire Council’s Enable Supported Employment service and is now working as a cleaner for a local business.

Enable offers a range of individual support for people with disabilities and/or learning difficulties who are keen to get into work. Their Disability Employment Service have a team of employment support specialists who support people throughout their employment journey.

Charlotte said about Enable:-

“I am very happy and proud of myself to find work again after my illness. I have worked with Enable to find the right job for me in my area, so I am not using public transport or taxis. I will always work with Enable as they are great. If anyone else out there is not getting the help to get the right job or are having trouble with CVs and preparing to work, then go to Enable. They are brilliant people; I am so happy to know them.”

Happy staff member: Charlotte now works as a cleaner for Vanguard

Charlotte Kelly, Senior Employment Officer at Enable, said:-

“Charlotte has come through our Disabilities Support Service as she has a learning disability. She has been championed by one of our highly experienced employment officers, who support and advise people with disabilities and learning disabilities to find work suited to their interests and skills.

“This allows us to assist people in their efforts to achieve sustainable employment in mainstream competitive jobs.”

Enable’s Disabilities Support Service offers support with:-

• Helping to identify job goals that suit the individual’s needs and interests
• Preparation for work
• Interview skills
• Job searching
• The application process
• Approaching employers
• Continuing support once in work
• Job retention support if needed in their existing job
• Assessing risks
• Job coaching when required – this is active, in-work support to people from day one of a job, supporting the staff member and providing a valuable link for the employer.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and communities, added:-

“Our Enable Supported Employment service invest a huge amount of time and effort to support adults with learning disabilities gain access to employment and to stay in work – both of which are key to their independence and wellbeing.

“I’m delighted that Charlotte has found employment with support from the team and wish her all the very best for the future.”

Enable’s Disabilities Job Club

Job Club

Members of Enable’s Disabilities Job Club, part of the Disability Employment Service, meet on a bi-weekly basis to support with improving CVs, job searching and interview preparation and skills. Members are always changing as they move into employment, supported by Enable team of job coaches. 

To find out more about Enable’s Disability Employment Services visit:  Disability Employment Service – Enable. Supported Employment Services (enableservices.co.uk)

To find out more about Learning Disability Week visit: Learning Disability Week | Mencap