Capability event showcases employment services

Capability event showcases employment services

16/04/2008

Disability is not a barrier to employment – that’s the message behind an open event taking place in the Wynd Centre in Paisley next Friday (25th April).

Four Renfrewshire based Capability Scotland employment services are getting together to showcase the support they can offer disabled people who are looking for a job, training or volunteering opportunities.

The event will take place between 12 noon and 2pm.  Guests can drop in between those hours and speak to both staff and service users about each of the services Capability Scotland provides in the Renfrewshire area and get first hand information about how that support is changing lives.

The services taking part in the open event are:

Renfrewshire Work 4 All – This service provides support to families of children with additional support needs to access employment, training and voluntary opportunities.

Whitehaugh and West Lane Gardens – Based in Paisley and Johnstone respectively, these day services support disabled adults to access employment, training and social and recreational opportunities.

Employment Services West – This service offers Workstep support to employers, employees and disabled people seeking work in the Renfrewshire area. 

Personal Development Planning (PDP) Capability offers courses which help disabled people to build the confidence and skills they need to start looking for a job.

Commenting on the event, Tanya Gilchrist, Capability Scotland’s Head of Employment Services commented:

“This will be a great opportunity for people in the Renfrewshire area to find out more about the employment and training opportunities available to disabled people and their families.  However, it is not only disabled people who will find this event of interest.  We are looking forward to welcoming professionals who might refer individuals to our services as well as local employers.  We are delighted that service users from each of the services involved have agreed to come along and share their personal experiences on the day.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Julie Laird on 01698 337 031/0784 178 2708

Case Study

Paisley Mum, Sandra McManus, was supported to get back into employment by Renfrewshire Work 4 All.  Her story demonstrates how families of disabled children can also be supported by Capability Scotland’s Employment Services

Sandra approached Renfrewshire Work 4 All in December 2006 looking for employment and childcare support. She had not worked for almost 10 years and was lacking in confidence. Her aim was to get back to work, perhaps into full-time employment, and to secure a place in an out of school club for her son who has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Sandra was informed of  Capability’s Personal Development Planning course which would help her to improve her confidence, communication and assertiveness skills. Sandra attended the course in January 2007 and was able to identify her own skills and action plans for the future. Sandra then went on to successfully complete European Computer Driving License training in June 2007. While attending this course, our Childcare Resource Worker worked closely with Sandra and her local out of school club to secure a place for her son. A place was secured and staff at the club also attended Inclusive Play Training delivered by Renfrewshire Work 4 All staff.

After the school summer holidays in 2007, Sandra secured a part-time job. The hours she worked meant that the childcare place was not required. Although the childcare place was not taken up, the staff are now prepared with the relevant information and training to enable them to support Sandra’s son should this be required in the future.

Sandra has since changed part-time jobs and feels that her confidence has greatly improved. She said:  “ I don’t feel as if I am the same woman that I was back in December 2006. I have achieved so much since I first approached Renfrewshire Work 4 All looking for support.  The practical advice and help I received has made a long awaited goal possible.

Editor’s Notes

• Capability Scotland is one of the leading Scottish disability organisations and has nearly 60 years experience of providing services to disabled people of all ages in Scotland.  To find out more visit www.capability-scotland.org.uk
• Advice Service Capability Scotland ASCS is a national disability information and advice service. We provide free, confidential advice and information on adult and child disability issues.  For more information please call us on Tel: 0131 313 5510, Textphone: 0131 346 2529, or email ascs@capability-scotland.org.uk

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