‘Do you see me?’ – be seen, heard and valued this Learning Disability Week

The week, running from Monday 16 June, celebrates what people with a learning disability bring to society. It is a week to shine a light on the contributions people with a learning disability are making to their local communities.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: “Being valued means that people are respected by others, and their views and feelings are listened to.

“This week is about celebrating the things that people with a learning disability do and challenging the barriers that people with a learning disability face. We want them to be seen, heard and valued, not only on Learning Disability Week, but every day.”

This Learning Disability Week, we shine a light on just some of the young people breaking through the barriers and successfully securing employment through the support of North East Lincolnshire Council and partners: NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), Care Plus Group, Linkage, NHS and Humberside Police.

Overcoming barriers to success - Ben’s story…

Benjamin Rilatt was a young man who felt uncertain about which career path to pursue after finishing college. This was initially overwhelming for him, until the opportunity for a Supported Internship arose, with guidance from Care Plus Group’s (CPG) Employability Services.

Ben is a Supported Intern for DFN Project SEARCH, a transitioning-to-work programme that enables individuals with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), aged 18 to 24, to experience the world of work within competitive employment sectors. Valuable and unique knowledge has been gained through varied work-based opportunities within Humberside Police and NELC. As a result of this, it is evident that Ben’s self-confidence and communication skills have improved.

Ben has demonstrated his perseverance and commitment by applying for multiple vacancies within Humberside Police showing the confidence gained due to Ben stepping out of his comfort zone and taking initiative. He will continue to be supported with CV writing, interview practice and filling out application forms to prepare him for future endeavours.

“I am proud to see my skills improve in regard to my self-confidence, and I am pushing myself to see more progress,” said Ben. “I am also proud of working as a team and being able to help in many ways.”

Evie Hoggins, Employability Job Coach, added: “Ben is a committed individual who has thrived in the workplace environment. He has received many compliments and praise from employers, which reinforces his self-belief and motivation. I am very proud of his achievements so far.”

Embracing change – Lauren’s story…

Lauren Patrick was referred to Employability Services by a family member as her employment was coming to an end.

Lauren was unsure as to what she would like to do, so they discussed various options. Lauren has an interest in working with people who are suffering with their mental health and is volunteering in an admin capacity within mental health and will be progressing into a support worker role once she feels ready.

“Since I have started my placement at the Cedars, I've met some lovely people who are really friendly and welcoming,” said Lauren. “I am really enjoying my time there, and I can't wait to get started with the training for SystmOne.”

Jessica, Lauren’s supervisor, added: “Lauren joined our team in December. She has fitted in with the office and come out of her shell. We are supporting her to gain skills within S1 and get an overview of the memory services.”

Sandie, Lauren’s Employability Support Officer from CPG, said: “Lauren has settled in well to a role that is completely new to her and is taking everything in her stride and is doing well. We are working on increasing Lauren’s self-confidence as her journey continues. Lauren is a joy to work with and is eager to learn more about support work within mental health.”

If you require further information or support, contact Employability Services on 01472 256730, or visit www.careplusgroup.org/services/employability-services

Alternatively, you can get updates from Employability Services on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CPGEmployabilityServices 

Journey to Employment – B’s story…

In December 2022, B embarked on a transformative internship as part of the Project SEARCH NHS & Linkage Partnership programme, supported by North East Lincolnshire Council. This initiative is designed to equip individuals with essential skills and hands-on experience to thrive in NHS employment.

As part of the internship, B began each day with employability skills training sessions. He contributed to a hospital department where his role was shaped by practical experience. He initially received daily one-on-one job coaching to improve his emotional resilience in the workplace. As his confidence and capabilities improved, the intensive coaching was phased out, fostering independence in his role.

By July 2023, B transitioned successfully into a paid role within the NHS, showcasing ‘remarkable’ growth, resilience, and determination throughout his journey. With assistance from Linkage staff and an NHS mentor, he navigated the application and interview processes successfully and secured an 18-hour paid position within the NHS - a testament to his hard work and dedication.

B continues to receive tailored support through Linkage’s employability follow-on service. This includes personalized sessions and additional training to further enhance his skills and ensure sustained success in his role.

Journey to Employment – J’s story…

J began his internship with the Project SEARCH NHS & Linkage Partnership, supported by North East Lincolnshire Council in September 2023.

He first participated in a full-time six-week employment programme led by Linkage at the hospital, which ran alongside the NHS corporate induction, equipping J with essential workplace knowledge and skills. Upon completion, J began a full-time internship at the hospital's Assisted Living Centre, where he was supported by an NHS buddy and engaged in daily employability skills sessions facilitated by Linkage.

One of the challenges J faced was expressing his needs effectively to staff. To address this, the Linkage Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) team created small flashcards he could carry with him at work. This innovative solution proved invaluable, improving J’s communication and strengthening his relationships with NHS colleagues.

When a suitable role became available at the Assisted Living Centre, Linkage worked closely with J to support him through the application process. He secured a 24-hour contract at the Assisted Living Centre.

By February 2024, through his hard work, dedication, and the support of the partnership, he successfully transitioned into paid work with the NHS.

If you would like further information or have any questions about supported internships, please email askannie@nelincs.gov.uk.

To find out more about DFN Project Search, visit www.dfnprojectsearch.org

There are other supported internships offered by Linkage College and Grimsby Institute.

To find information on supported internships at Linkage College visit www.linkage.org.uk/services/employability/supported-internships

To find out more about supported internships at Grimsby Institute visit www.grimsby.ac.uk/course-detail/foundations