Happy new year!

Happy New Year from the Salford Supported Employment team! As we step into 2025, we’re excited to build on the incredible progress made since March 2023.

Thanks to your continued partnership, we’ve supported 203 residents onto the programme, with 40 job starts. With the programme’s extension well underway, we’re now working towards supporting more Salford residents with learning disabilities and/or autism in finding paid, meaningful employment.

Our tailored programme continues to provide up to ten months of pre-work support and in-work assistance, ensuring sustainable success and fulfilment for those facing barriers to traditional employment pathways.

Aimee's story - building confidence and achieving goals

Aimee (pictured above) has autism and has faced challenges with anxiety, confidence, and social interaction. For a long time, she rarely left her house, however, she really wanted to find part-time employment. She recognised that developing her confidence and social skills was a vital first step.

With support, Aimee was referred to START Inspiring Minds in Salford, where she began attending a drawing class. She also started volunteering at the AWorld Charity Shop in Swinton.

Since then, Aimee has made remarkable progress, in that:

• she continues to enjoy and benefit from her drawing class
• she has become more independent, including traveling on public transport
• she has increased her volunteering days at AWorld from one to two

Feedback from Shelley, the shop manager at AWorld, highlights Aimee’s dedication:
"Aimee is a credit to her parents and a real asset to the shop!"

Supported Internships - a Mum's perspective

This inspiring video showcases the journey of a parent whose child has flourished through a Salford Supported Internship. Andrea, Mum to Harry, talks first-hand how this programme has provided invaluable opportunities for Harry to gain confidence, develop skills, and step into the world of work.

Andrea's heartfelt account highlights the transformative impact these internships can have—not just on the young people involved, but on their families too. Supported internships offer tailored guidance and real-world experience, opening doors to meaningful employment and greater independence.

Watch the video to see how supported internships are changing lives and creating brighter futures for young people and their families.

Join our Employer Forum for Supported Employment

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 regularly, please see below the dates for this year's sessions:

• Tuesday 11 February 2025, 10am to 11.30am
• Tuesday 20 May 2025, 10am to 11.30am
• Tuesday 16 September 2025, 10am to 11.30am
• Tuesday 2 December 2025, 10am to 11.30am

If you would like to join the forum and receive regular updates, advice, and support, please contact ses@salford.gov.uk. 

ForHousing Discovery Day

ForHousing welcomed local residents with learning disabilities and/or autism to a Discovery Day at their Eccles office, offering an inspiring glimpse into careers in the housing sector. The day, attended by six enthusiastic participants, highlighted the diverse opportunities available, from customer service to property management.

ForHousing staff shared their career journeys, engaged in interactive discussions, and provided hands-on activities, creating a supportive and welcoming environment. The event sparked interest among attendees, with several expressing a desire to explore roles within the sector.

This initiative demonstrates how employers like ForHousing can create meaningful pathways into work for residents with learning difficulties or autism, setting a strong example for others to follow.

We want your ideas for inclusive recruitment!

We’re looking for your input to shape best practices and explore new approaches in the coming year.

Do you have tips or best practices to share?
Would your business like to host a bespoke recruitment day?
Do you have any ideas to rethink an interview process?

We’re inviting providers, key workers, and employers to collaborate and make recruitment more accessible and effective for everyone. 

Share your ideas or express interest by contacting us at ses@salford.gov.uk.

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