Your Turn - a pilot project

A major unexpected outcome for us during project work in 2010 was that we identified that we worked with several beneficiaries, who experience mental health issues in addition to their learning disabilities. Most notably depression, affected and increased by social isolation - this was a previously unseen element of our work.

In response, for 2011 we are developing a bespoke post placement programme called Your Turn for some of our adult beneficiaries to help tackle exclusion and depression whilst focussing on achieving employability. The programme is based around developing employability skills beyond purely a work experience placement. During the placement key employability skills required by the beneficiary for their chosen area of work will be identified. These skills, for instance communication; problem solving; team working; organisation etc, will be developed through a Duke of Edinburgh type programme structured around different elements such as health & fitness; contributing to the local community; new skills and adventure.

Intensive job searching will be incorporated into the programme including interview techniques, media/electronic CVs with video clips from placement & audio employer reference. Advice on any reasonable adjustments required to employ our beneficiaries will be offered to potential employers as part of the programme. A supported job trial will also be offered to employers interested in recruiting a Your Turn candidate.

Outcomes will include full time and part time paid employment; voluntary work, a greater sense of well being and social inclusion.

The programme is a natural progression of the placements we already deliver and meets the needs of an ever increasing number of beneficiaries who feel lonely and have depression.

We are running a small scale Your Turn pilot project in 2011 with a view to expanding delivery into a full scale project in 2012, subject to funding.