Your summer update from the team

Welcome to your Summer update from the team. We've been hard at work putting plans in place following the extension announcement for Salford Supported Employment. Thanks to the incredible success we have achieved since March 2023, with 140 residents started on programme and 29 job starts, we are now in a position to support an additional 120 Salford residents with learning disabilities and/or autism in finding paid, meaningful employment.

Our programme offers up to ten months of pre-work support and ongoing in-work assistance to ensure long-term success and fulfilment in the workplace for those who would struggle to access employment through traditional pathways.

Supported Internships - Harry's journey to employment

Harry (pictured above) faced several barriers to employment due to social anxiety and autism, which affected his confidence and ability to engage in new environments. Despite his technical skills and academic strengths, particularly in maths and physics, Harry struggled with focus, foresight, and social interactions.

Referred to Pure Innovations through Salford Employment Hub, Harry was keen to explore post-education paths despite a rocky start. In late October 2023, Harry officially enrolled in the internship, which is designed to help him overcome these challenges. Harry’s quiet nature and need for travel support required specific interventions.

Elese and Stuart at Pure Innovations took Harry and his mum, Andrea, for a tour and found out about Harry’s specific needs. This personalised approach helped in creating a supportive environment that could reduce barriers to his employment. The internship offered Harry a structured opportunity to build his confidence and gain practical experience.

Andrea shared, "Pure Innovations' support has been transformative for Harry. He's becoming more confident each day." Harry added, "I'm grateful for the chance to prove myself and gain new skills."

Through Pure Innovations' dedicated support and Harry's determination, he is now on a positive path towards achieving his career goals, showcasing the potential for success with the right guidance and opportunities.

Reverse Job Fair - Friday 6 September

We are pleased to be hosting another Reverse Job Fair this September, at Pendleton Gateway.

A Reverse Job Fair is an event designed for employers to meet with adults who have learning disabilities or autism and are seeking employment. At a reverse job fair, the traditional job search script is flipped: employers visit candidate stands, engaging in conversations about potential opportunities, while candidates have the chance to showcase their skills and aspirations.

Date: Friday 6 September 2024

Time: 11am to 2pm

Location: Pendleton Gateway, 1 Broadwalk, Pendleton, M6 5FX

Please book a space by emailing agata.potoczek@salford.gov.uk by Thursday 15 August 2024. Limited spaces are available.

Employer Forum -  Tuesday 20 August

Salford Supported Employment and our partners are committed to working together to help increase the employment rate of young people and adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. In Salford, we believe supported employment is everyone’s responsibility.

The purpose of the Employer Forum is to:

⚙️ bring together local employers and partners

⚙️raise awareness of the range of training and support available to employers

⚙️ increase the number of employment opportunities to benefit young people and adults with learning disabilities and/or autism

⚙️ share examples of good practice in relation to recruiting

⚙️ support the retaining of young people and/or adults with learning difficulties and autism in paid employment

The forum meets online on a bi-monthly basis, with the next meeting taking place on Tuesday 20 August 2024, 10am to 11am. If you would like to join the meeting and become a member of the employer forum and receive regular updates, advice, and support, please contact ses@salford.gov.uk. 

Neurodiversity in the Workplace online training session

If your business would like to learn more about neurodivergence and how you can better integrate and support people in your workplace, join us for a free information session on neurodiversity in the workplace.

Delivered on Microsoft Teams, we'll cover a broad range of neurodivergences and provide usable strategies and takeaways to implement.

Aims of the session:

⚙️develop your knowledge and understanding of different neurodivergences

⚙️ explore strategies to attract, recruit, and retain neurodivergent staff

⚙️ hear from neurodiverse individuals who have been recruited and employers who have recruited neurodiverse staff

⚙️ discover how adjustments for neurodivergence can make your workplace more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all

⚙️network and engage with other colleagues and businesses

Working with the Supported Employment Service - a testimony

“We started working with Salford Supported Employment in August 2023 when we were looking to fill an apprenticeship vacancy. Since then, we have recruited two full-time Finance Officers with the assistance of the Service.

“Working with Salford Supported Employment has been an enjoyable and productive experience. They are responsive to the needs of our department, willing and able to be flexible with our recruitment timelines.

“The candidates we have met with have all been of a very high standard and I think they all would have been excellent appointments. The candidates came into meetings and interviews well-presented and well-prepared. They are all positively engaged in the process and ask thoughtful and relevant questions. As an employer, it is also useful to know that all candidates are work-ready and have the support of an employment coach who will continue to assist them in their first year of their employment.

“My advice for anyone who may be hesitant to work with Salford Supported Employment would be to just get in touch with them and have that initial conversation. The team are very helpful, knowledgeable and will really listen to any concerns you may have, and help you to find real, workable solutions. We have been able to work with the same Co-ordinator throughout the process, meaning they have really got to know our department and what we are looking for. The support offered will continue after the job has been offered too, so if you do need any help they are always there.”

- Caron, Accounts Team Leader at Salford City Council

Luke's story - distance travelled with Salford Supported Employment

Luke (pictured above, left) joined the Supported Employment programme in November. Before he started, Luke rarely left the house, got up at noon, and spent most of his time playing games, with little structure to his day. He wanted a purpose to get up and enjoy his day.

With the help of his key worker, Lynne (pictured above, right), Luke first created a basic CV and tried various community activities. He attended a crafts day in Walkden, which he enjoyed. Lynne then identified the Mustard Tree Freedom Project as a good opportunity for Luke to build his confidence and gain new skills. Initially hesitant about customer-facing roles, Luke started working in the Mustard Tree shop and gradually overcame this barrier.

Luke’s involvement at the Mustard Tree increased from one to two days a week. He is also completing a food hygiene course to add to his CV. Luke now has a clear focus and purpose, motivating him to get up and engage with his day. He is preparing to upload his CV to job sites and search for jobs, building the confidence to apply when he feels ready.

Luke's journey with the programme and Lynne's support has transformed his daily routine and confidence, setting him on a path toward future employment.

Refer a resident

If you know someone who is a resident with learning disabilities or autism and is seeking work, fill in our referral form below, and our team will be in touch.

We look forward to working on our goal of enabling individuals to reach their career aspirations and encourage a more inclusive Salford.

If you are an employer who is able to offer an opportunity for a supported employee, please email ses@salford.gov.uk or visit our webpage.

See you soon,

The Salford Supported Employment Team