Welcome! Julian Hallett – Wales Manager Simon James – WorkFit Wales Officer Gareth John – WorkFit Candidate Alex Williams – WorkFit Candidate
What is WorkFit? • A project that supports people with Down’s syndrome into work • Focused on young people with Down’s syndrome aged 14-25 in Wales • Target to place 27 people into work by 2017 • Funded by Big Lottery Wales • Evaluation by team of independent researchers
Meet Mitch Tonks‌
What does ‘work’ mean to you?
Work could be … • • • • •
A paid job (full-time, part-time) Work experience A job trial or placement An apprenticeship Volunteering role
Dreams v real jobs • Take 2 mins to think what is your DREAM job • Then write down what your job is or what jobs you have done in the past
Simon gets to interview Alex and Gareth
We all need support
Take 5 mins to think about what types of support you might need in order to find a job
Support could include • Help with thinking about different types of jobs we could do • Help in recording what we have achieved to date • Help with finding jobs or approaching employers • Help with filling in application forms
Support cont. • Help with preparing for an interview • On the job help – job coaching • Help if our job changes or we get into any difficulties • Help with benefits or getting Access To Work payments etc
Let’s meet some people…
Some real examples of where WorkFit has helped people into work….
How WorkFit operates
Simon will explain!
How to get involved • Register on the WorkFit website • Take a WorkFit leaflet • Give Simon a call or email simon.james@downs-syndrome.org.uk 07941 867711
Who else could help? • • • • • • •
Job Centre Plus – Disability Employment Advisors WorkChoice Programme Careers Service Your school or college (14+ transition review) Mencap Learning Disability Wales Local Supported Employment Agencies
Questions