Is paid work something you aspire to for your family member with a learning disability and or autism?

Is your family member coming up to leaving education and you are thinking maybe paid work is the next step?

Is it something you’d love for your family member but can't see it happening?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above you need to come to our session!

What can you expect:

Jess Stewart is the Head of Commissioning for learning disabilities and autism in the Adult Social Care team in Essex County Council and the lead for Meaningful Lives Essex, where employment for young people and adults with a learning disability and/or autism is a priority.

Jess will begin the session by giving an overview of the ECC vision. We will then here about some of the work in Essex:

The targeted employment team: We work across the county to develop and strengthen pathways to employment for young people with SEND we do this through:

Supported Internships: a structured study programme designed to equip young people with the skills they need for work through learning in the workplace.

Traineeship: an education and training programme with a high-quality unpaid work experience placement at its core.

Inclusive Apprenticeship: a flexible, bespoke "earn while you learn" programme designed for those with a recognised learning difficulty or disability

Social Enterprise: a community based business. Social Enterprise positions are suitable for people with more complex needs.

Adult community learning, support to employment offer: We can support you to gain qualifications and support towards employment. As part of our vocational programme, we offer real life work experience within centres where you will be working in health and social care, hospitality and catering, retail, construction or horticulture as well as improving your maths, English and digital skills in out three-day programme. All classes are small with lots of support to ensure you get the support you need in class and on work experience.

When ready to move on we can support you to, prepare and apply for an Inclusive apprenticeship in your chosen vocational area. For those not ready to take on an apprenticeship we work closely with ECL’s specialist employment team to support you into employment. 

ECL inclusive employment team: Our specialist Inclusive Employment team is currently working with customers and their families to help find and keep their ideal jobs.

If you are looking for paid employment, over the age of 18 with a learning disability and or Autism you will have support from a dedicated work buddy to support you by;

Identifying possible employers

• Developing your CV
• Arranging and mediating interviews
• Offering training and skills development
• Ensure you are happy and successful in your job

All types of paid jobs in any sector can be considered, (it could also be voluntary) full-time or part-time hours. Inclusive Employment is about what you want to do and what works for you and your family. ECL will support you all the way with your choices and decisions.

I’m Thinking Ahead: How to be part of the world of work — How families can use the guide: Christine will be talking about this new guide that has been written to help young people and adults with learning disabilities take practical steps to feel more confident about working. The format of the guide helps families (as well as practitioners in education and social care) to have supportive conversations, explore ideas about the world of work and take steps to make it a reality.

As well as hearing from the various initiatives we will have some film clips sharing some success stories from people and their families.

After the presentations there will be time for questions. Please feel free to email any questions you may already have before the day to info@essexcarersnetwork.co.uk and we will try and make sure they are addressed during the presentations.