Category

• Promising Local Practice

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Poverty impact

• Mitigation
• Reduction

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Poverty driver

• Increase employment income
• Non-driver - improving quality of life

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Keywords

• Disability
• Employment
• Empowerment
• Training for Employment
• Financial Inclusion

Aim

The aim is to help people with disabilities or long-term health conditions to find sustainable employment.

Summary

The Equal Programme targets North Ayrshire residents over the age of 16 with physical, mental health or neurological conditions that impact their ability to work. The programme provides support in two ways: 1) by encouraging members to learn new skills through engaging in activities, and 2) by providing tailored, one-to-one support to help each member find a long-term job that suits their unique strengths and aspirations. This free-of-charge holistic training is provided by employment advisors both during and after the job search. The Equal Programme further extends to support new employers on how best to assist their new employees.

What difference does it make?

The Equal Programme has made a profound difference in the lives of its members. The strength of the service lies in its capacity to facilitate indirect learning through activities that cater to various hobbies (i.e. gaming, creative writing, sports or gardening). The programme steers away from a ‘one size fits all’ strategy, and instead opts for a tailored approach. This has proven to be effective for those with additional support needs. In their learning, members acquire transferrable skills (i.e. collaboration and teamwork, communication and negotiation skills, increased confidence) which enable them to be in a better position for sustainable employment. For some members, the service improved their overall quality of life. For others, the service has increased their financial independence or lifted them out of poverty.

Key take-aways

• Learning and gaining qualifications through hobby-oriented activities is beneficial for those with additional support needs.
• A personalised one-to-one supported employment service is particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
• Supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions in the workforce also means supporting and educating their employers.

 

Organisations

North Ayrshire Council

Location

North Ayrshire (throughout)

Contact