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(DRAFT) EVALUATION AND SUMMARY REPORT ON THE SEED PROJECT March 2015 This publication was produced at the request of the Sligo Leader Partnership Company. It was prepared independently by Mark McCollum.
Mark McCollum
Evaluation and Summary Report on the SEED Project
DISCLAIMER The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sligo Leader Partnership or any other individual or organization involved with the delivery of the SEED project
CONTENTS Evaluation Purpose and Evaluation Questions....................................................................................................... Project Background........................................................................................................................................................ Evaluation Methods and Limitations .........................................................................................................................
Original Aims & Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………
Project Data …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations…………………………………………………………………….. Annexes………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
SEED Project Evaluation
EVALUATION PURPOSE & EVALUATION QUESTIONS EVALUATION PURPOSE This Evaluation report is predicated on the need to assess how the SEED project adhered to its stated aims and objectives and to document the challenges and the successes of the SEED Project in terms of the participants’; those people who engaged with the project and received training and support with a view to becoming job ready and retuning to the workplace and/or training. The agencies; the service providers in the region, that their services can be honed to meet the needs of the service users and that information is clear concise and there is cooperation and synergy between the service providers; the wider community; satisfactory work is a key component in people’s mental health and can help people experiencing a mental health problem to recover not only their health, but also their self-confidence and self-esteem. Unemployment not only creates economic disadvantage but also decreases self-esteem and increases isolation and marginalization. This has a deleterious effect on the individual and the wider community.
It is important that the experiences and learning acquired through the lifetime of the SEED Project can be shared and disseminated to others wishing to engage in similar initiatives elsewhere. The report will also form part of a more wide reaching evaluation of all the DACC projects and the cumulative learning will feed into the department of Social protection and thereby inform ongoing government policy. EVALUATION QUESTIONS The research and evaluation sought to seek answers to 4 key questions; ·
Did the SEED project meet the original Aims and Objective as outlined in the original application?
·
If the SEED project was to be implemented again would the same approach be adopted or would experiences to date reshape the structure of any future project?
·
Was the SEED project of tangible benefit to the participants?’
·
What is the legacy for the SEED Project?
PROJECT BACKGROUND The SEED Project was developed by the Sligo Disability Network in collaboration with Sligo LEADER Partnership Company and is one of sixteen projects nationally funded Disability Activation Projects The SEED Project has endeavoured to build on existing community development structures within the Sligo area, promoting access by people with disabilities to mainstream employment supports and opportunities. The project works from the basis of Sligo Leader Partnership Company’s (SLPC's) Disability Network; a multi-agency structure of disability, community, arts, youth, education, employment organizations and individuals which develop programmes and linkages that promote the engagement of people with disabilities in mainstream structures. Overall, the SEED project aim is to have participant’s job ready and accessing mainstream employment supports and accessing further and higher education and employment. The project was established to work with and engage with people encompassing the spectrum of disabilities; physical, sensory, intellectual and psychological, and targeting people with disabilities aged 18 to 64 years in receipt of disability/illness welfare payments, living in County Sligo. It was envisioned that the project would have four rural hubs (north, west, south and south east Sligo), one urban hub (Sligo town) and would access suitable participants using pre-existing targeting methodologies such as, advertising-print & radio-, parish bulletins, word of mouth, social media etc) and fora (Sligo Disability Network, Intreo, Family Resource Centres, Occupational Therapists, Employment Response North West, internally within Sligo LEADER Partnership etc) to ensure maximum engagement of 18-65 year olds with a disability/illness in County Sligo. Following the targeting process, potential participants were to be clustered, where possible into the listed hubs. The project was rolled out in community centres and Family Resource Centres and transport enabled through SLPC's Rural Transport Programme (RTP) and other means as required. Project delivery sites were identified using the established community infrastructure to add value to existing services. The SEED Project was a flexible and adaptable person centred, confidence building programme which enables participants to determine the direction of the programme and establish their own career plan, determined by the level at which they are at, this was seen as extremely important, the project had a structure - yes, but also inherent flexibility to enable it to adapt to the individual needs of the
participants’. The programme outline will be determined by the needs of the members in the designated hubs in rural and urban Sligo. The focus was to have participants job ready and accessing mainstream services. The person centred approach and the integration of the principle of Community developments were also seen as key, the project was very supportive and nurturing. Individual assessment and interviews fed into tailored Personal Progression Plans which were developed with each participant again reinforcing the individual nature and focus of the project.
THE CREATIVE WAY… Arts Based Community Development (ABCD) With the support of the Disability Network, person centred Arts Based Community Development (ABCD) creative techniques were used to develop trust and rapport within individuals and the group and also increase the confidence and self esteem of the participants. Self reported increases in self confidence were attained through the application of instrumental arts and process based drama and creative engagement establishing a trusting and ‘fun’ environment. The social aspect to programme development were seen as fundamental to the success of the programme, in that participants in any group need to want to participate in a programme; and here this was achieved by the application of innovative creative methodologies and paying attention and listening to the voice of each participant. As well as the emphasis on developing and increasing self-esteem and self-confidence; the other key aspect to SEED programme concentrated on developing and homing the skills of the individuals in the group so that they became job/entrepreneurial ready. This was achieved through comprehensively assessing the skills of each individual participant, and looking at specific areas which required development and tailoring a personal progression plan based on this to address the gaps in the participants skill set. Linkages were established with mainstream employment agencies. This encouraged participation in their services and through a series of conversations refined the delivery of existing programmes. Representatives from the various agencies attended sessions and made presentations on what services they provided, this was evaluable as it ‘humanised‘ the service and made them more open and accessible. Another important facet was that each of the clusters of participants in the five hubs determined their own programme, the groups came together to attend events on a regular basis to share learning.
The SEED Project was distinctive and innovative in a number of ways including the application of a community development approach into the fabric of the project, and integration of creative methodologies and approaches into area of training. In summary, the SEED project has facilitated participants to develop at their own pace through providing ongoing positive support through the 10 week personal development programmes and follow up from the SEED staff team members. Participants also benefitted from group work, individual progression and group themed quarterly events. The project has established good working relationships and linkages with mainstream education and employment agencies to support SEED participants to be informed and access mainstream education and employment services. The project provided transport to enable participants to engage with the programme who did not have access to transport (public or private) and who otherwise would not have been able to engage with the programme. It has contributed significantly to highlighting and raising awareness of people with disabilities as both potential employees and customers amongst employers in County Sligo through the inaugural County Sligo Accessibility Awards Programme. These factors are all above and beyond the targets outlined in the original application
EVALUATION METHODS & LIMITATIONS This Report is informed by the need to track how the project is adhering to its original aims and objectives; and to identify strengths and weaknesses with the intention of making the project as workable as possible and informing future work. The process of Formative Evaluation which was applied to assess these attributes is outlined below. o
Direct communication and discussion with the Programme Co-ordinator and other member of the staff team. Attending steering group meetings
o
A series of semi-formal question sessions with the participants
o
One to one meetings with the staff and participants
o
Desk-based analysis of programme application, pre-programme consultation, and programme documentation.
o
Qualitative feedback from the participating groups in the programme. This was undertaken via interview with opportunistic samples of the Programme participants in which open questions were asked regarding their experience of participating on the programme, structured telephone and face to face interviews with the Co-ordinator & Facilitators involved in the programme delivery.
THE EVALUATION IS GUIDED BY THE STATED OBJECTIVES AND OVERARCHING PRIORITIES; o
Policy Priority 1- ‘reduce inactivity by improving the employability of young people not in Education’
o
Priority 2- ‘improve the skills of workers without essential ‘basic’ skills and low or no qualifications
LIMITATIONS The report is limited and constrained by the fact that the project had commenced prior to the evaluation structure being put in place. This precluded the process to included pre and post intervention data and examining some of the constructs such as self-esteem and self confidence in a valid and reliable way. The report is therefore limited to self-report measures and ethnographic observations style studies and any claims and/or outcomes have to be viewed in this way.
ORIGINAL AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF THE SEED PROJECT. Below are outlined the stated aims and objectives for the SEED project as outlined in the original application. ¨ We aim to identify and engage with people with disabilities aged 18 to 65 years in County Sligo and develop person centred responses to the issue of employment. The project will have a community development focus and aim to have participants job ready, entrepreneurial ready; accessing a range of supports: mainstream, employment focused supports and/or further/higher education ¨ SLPC's Activation proposal aims to increase the capacity and potential of Sligo town & country disabled people on disability/illness welfare payments to effectively participate in the labour market. ¨ SLPC's Activation Proposal is focussing its consortium of stakeholders to facilitate Sligo Disability Network to lead a mainstreaming employment programme that identifies and engages directly with disabled people over 18 years on Social Protection payments to effectively access mainstream supports in the communities. This reflects strategic approaches identified by the EU under the European Social Fund (Human Capital Investment Operational Programme 2007 - 2013) and underpinned by the strategies and goals set out in the National Disability Strategy (2004). As well as the overall aim of the project, a number of specific objective and outcomes were named in the original application;
DESCRIPTION ·
To set up structures for the delivery of The SEED Project.
ACTIONS ·
Disability Network briefed on the Work Plan for the set up and delivery of The SEED Project
·
Confirm membership of The SEED Project Steering committee and develop Terms of Reference
·
Recruitment, selection and induction of staff: 1 Coordinator, 1 Development Worker, 1 P/T Administrator
·
Drawing up and filling of tenders for (i) evaluation and (ii) documentation of project
·
Identification of potential Community Hubs (urban and rural) by Steering Group.
·
Drawing up of programme outline to be disseminated to groups at launch of SEED Project
·
Information session for community groups in hubs on The SEED Project Actions
PROJECT OUTCOMES ·
Commencement of project
·
Steering Committee set up, terms of reference agreed
·
Staff positions filled
·
Tenders for evaluation and documentation awarded-contracts drawn up
·
Possible Community hubs identified
·
Promotional programme outline disseminated to relevant groups
OBJECTIVE 2 DESCRIPTION ·
To identify people with disabilities in their local community to engage them in mainstream services: Identifying participants for Project: young adults with disabilities 16 to 24 years and adults aged 25 to 65 with disabilities who are in receipt of Disability /Illness Allowance, living in Sligo town and County.
ACTIONS ·
Engage with local agencies, service providers who have direct contact with people with disabilities. Working with community based structures- Community Development Projects, Family Resource Centres to make contact with people with disabilities not in disability services/living in the community. Advertising in local areas to promote The SEED Project. Holding of information sessions in communities. Working within framework of SLPC's Parent Support Network for young people with disabilities, schools, youth organizations for young adult group. Direct contact through service providers. Holding of information sessions in communities-publicity material-posters, local radio, social media.
PROJECT OUTCOMES ·
To identify participants for The SEED Project. Participants will be divided into youth and adult groups and assigned to relevant Community hubs. Targeting process will be undertaken by Coordinator and
Development Worker. Following community
development principles, emphasis will be put on 'hard to reach’ groups and individuals who don't normally access services and would greatly benefit from the programme.
OBJECTIVE 3 DESCRIPTOR 路
To design 5 courses in conjunction with participants over lifespan of project; course design will address needs of the participants-youth and adult groups. The SEED Project will establish a programme which will work on 3 levels: (i) group work and (ii) personal progression plans. (iii) group themed quarterly meetings
ACTIONS 路
The SEED Development Worker will pull together groups in each of the 5 hubs-North, South, West, South West and Sligo town. SEED workshop will be held once a month in a community setting for 1 day per group (youth & adult). The workshop will consist of the following: The 1st half of the workshop will concentrate on addressing issues around disability, in the area of education & employment. The 2nd half of the workshop will address issues of common interest and capacity building for the group.4 times a year a group meeting of all the hubs will be held on a one to one basis; the development worker will establish personal progression plans with each participant, focusing on employment and education. Individual/personal supports also offered.
PROJECT OUTCOMES 路
Participation in the project will develop a network of people with disabilities who will access mainstream employment and education supports, act as mentors/advocates for people with disabilities in the community, input into the Disability Network and develop a programme which augments the capacity of individuals to become job ready and refines existing services so they are disability user friendly.
路
End of year 1: Public Event, to consolidate learning and target participants for year 2.
OBJECTIVE 4 DESCRIPTOR ·
Identification of needs of participants-working with individuals to devise a personal progression plan. Continuous ongoing mentoring support offered to enable participants to become job ready. Common issues in workshops identified for development in quarterly themed workshops
ACTIONS ·
Meet with participants individually, set up personal development plans. Role of development worker as an advocate, if the needs can be dealt within the project, they will be; if not referral to mainstream services will be made, but the project still supports them. Participants should be able to contact the development worker ‘as the go to person’ for support systems, leadership and expertise. Mainstream employment and education support programmes to offer taster workshops to workshop participants- e.g. jobs club, drama clubs, youth groups, education programmes-Sligo IT, Saint Angela's NUIG, Sligo VEC, Jobs Initiatives Programme, NLN etc. DESSA mentoring programme for people with disabilities introduced as possible route for participants to train as community mentors.
PROJECT OUTCOMES ·
Effective personal progression plans drawn up with participants
·
Series of taster workshop and promotion of mainstream employment and education support programmes
·
Option of people with disabilities to explore becoming mentors in communities
·
Increased uptake of mainstream programmes.
OBJECTIVE 5 DESCRIPTOR ·
Sustainability: in 2nd year SEED Project will identify community based supports which allow the project to continue following completion of pilot in 2015. Training for participants to become local community based mentors, participation in the Disability Network and mainstream employment And education structures.
ACTIONS ·
Identification of participants to train as community based mentors, promoting inclusion in mainstream structures and drawing up of personal progression plans. Possibly four people working ten hours per week with three people each.
·
Identification structures to mainstream SEED Project: Community Development Projects (CDP) and Family Resource Centres (FRC) are possibility with multi agency support.
·
Local database of people with a disability in communities to develop further community based programmes. Greater participation of people with disabilities in Disability Network to feed into local community based structures. A proofing of existing employment and education services by SEED project participants to ensure effective delivery to the target group.
PROJECT OUTCOMES ·
Identification of community based group of people with disabilities who can act as mentors and advocate.
·
The housing of the project in community structures.
·
Participation of people with disabilities in mainstream employment and education supports; disability proofing and adjustment of mainstream services.
THE PROJECTED LEVEL OF PARTICPANT ENGAGEMENT BY THE SEED PROJECT
SEED Project Performance indicators
Total Number of projected Participants 2012 - 2015 Male
Female
Output
Number of people with a disability participating
115
115
Result
Number of people with a disability progressing to further education or employment Number of people with a disability who continue to engage in economic activity after 12 months
10
10
6
6
Impact
THE ACTUAL LEVEL OF PARTICIPANT ENGAGEMENT BY THE SEED PROJECT
SEED Project Participant figures
Output
Number of people with a disability participating
Result
Number of people with a disability progressing to further education or employment Number of people with a disability who continue to engage in economic activity after 12 months
Impact
Actual Total Number of Participants 2012 - 2015 Male
Female
119
124
Breakdown of participants by Educational Attainment Male
Female
Total
Pre-primary education (ISCED 0)
15
11
26
Primary or lower secondary education (ISCED 1 and 2)
28
28
56
Upper secondary education (ISCED 3)
59
44
103
Post -secondary non-tertiary education (ISCED 4)
8
32
40
Tertiary education (ISCED 5 and 6)
9
9
18
Total
119
124
243
The Age range of the Participants on The SEED project AGE
Male
Female
Total
16 - 24
18
10
28
25 - 54
81
112
193
55 - 64
16
5
21
Over 64
1
0
1
Total
116
127
243
PROJECTED SEED PROJECT OUTCOMES 1
2
3
4
5
Greater participation of people with disabilities in further education, employment and community based programmes. Participation of people with disabilities in Disability Network, proofing actions in LCDP and agencies working within the Disability Network. Development of community based mentor and advocacy programme for and by people with disabilities. Participants identified for training in the SEED Project and following this- placement in community centres working part time-10 hrs/wk. Focus on employment and education. Personal progression plans for participants drawn up and followed through by SEED development worker. Linking with employment and education agencies to fulfill these progression plans and developing routes to education and employment. Adaption existing education, employment, creative arts, media and community based programmes to include people with disabilities. Encourage employment +education structures: TUS, CEB, Jobs Club, CTC workshops, VEC, Chamber of Commerce to meet with SEED participants, possible through quarterly group events per annum. Develop 'job ready' capacity of participants to allow accessing of employment and education supports and achieving work- part time, full time or consider selfemployment.
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
As is clear the SEED project has successfully surpassed all original expectations in terms of participant engagement and all the main aims and objectives set out in the original application have been met and surpassed.
SEED Project Outcomes – Events & Additional outcomes: 1
End of Year Conference x 2
2
Quarterly Event x 5
3
Summer Induction x 3
4
Launch of Access Sligo App
5
Peer mentoring
Launch of Accessibility Awards
ü ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
Fetac Level courses x 3 ( 1 x level 6 and 2 x level 3 ) ü
Access Sligo App
Accessibility Awards
ü
ü
3 x fetac level accredited courses ü
Ten Week programmes ran six times over the duration of the project 2013 – 2015.
ü
FORM OF DISABILITY & PROGRESSION
Type of Disability Male
Female
Learning Disability
31
35
Physical/Sensory Disability
14
13
Mental Health
39
43
Illness/accident
21
27
Not known
9
11
114
129
Total
243
Participant Progression 69
People attending Courses
19
People in employment
17 full Time
52 part time
14 part time 2 self employed 1 job Bridge 2 CE Scheme
88
People in training or employment
As can be seen the SEED Project has surpassed all projected targets in terms of participation, and progression.
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS Earlier in this document there was mention of the quantitative success of the SEED project in terms of meeting and exceeding the original targets and objectives and it is clear in terms of the ‘numbers’ the seed project was an outstanding success, surpassing targets in all areas; the numbers of participants engaged and the level of progression attained. However, it is important to look beyond the numbers and remember that each one of the numbers represents a person, a life which has been turned around through engaging with the seed project. As part of the SEED Project evaluation, a series of face to face conversations took place with project participants and the evaluator. The primary topic of discussion being how they, the participants, viewed and perceived the overall experience of participating on the SEED project. These semi structured opportunistic informal discussions in no way were empirical or scientific; they simply were an opportunity for the participants to articulate frankly their experiences of engaging with the various facets of the SEED Project. Through this process a number of personal experiences of interactions with the SEED Project were related, these were overwhelming positive, the prevailing sense which was expressed was how powerful and transformative the experience of participating on the SEED project had been. Participants talked openly and freely about the practical benefits gained through actively engaging with the SEED Project. The seed project as viewed by the vast majority as “life changing” being transformative; the project addressed the fears and apprehensions of the participants and tailored programmes based on the needs of each individual were seen as key elements. The participants were unanimous in their praise for the project and the staff team. A point that may appear obvious, but it emerged through the project is that there is no such thing as a ‘typical disability’, and this fact was reflected in the heterogeneity of the participants. The range of those engaged with was seen as extremely positive, but it proved challenging occasionally, as in some rare instances that there appeared to be ‘a hierarchy’ within some of the participants attitudes to fellow participants with disability. There was some fear and misunderstanding of ‘the other’. Any misunderstanding or apprehensions were allayed by the perceptive and skilled staff who dealt with all matters with utmost sensitivity and tact.
In Irish society, despite significant advances there is still, unfortunately, a degree of stigma associated with disability in general and particularly in terms of mental health. A significant percentage of the participants of the SEED Project were affected by mental health difficulties. For the majority the circumstances of being unemployed exacerbated pre-existing conditions and for others unemployment and its associated stress were significant contributing causal factors in developing conditions. For a number of participants their self-reported levels of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth was extremely low prior to commencing on the programme, however almost everyone reported a significant increase in these areas towards the end of their time on the programme. It is difficult to attribute a causal affect; however the strong positive correlation combined with the high levels of progression indicates that a relationship exists. It was clear that some of the Hubs were more successful than others, in the more rural areas of North Sligo and East Sligo the disability focus may have discouraged some people from engaging with the programme, there is still a level of stigma particularly in rural areas , and some people didn’t want to be seen participating in their own rural local areas and would prefer to attend training and class in another area, the built up town afford a level of anonymity, so perhaps in future projects this could be factored in and the locations of the programme activities be looked at and that other ways of engagement and connection be applied to these areas. When examined, the participants were all at different levels, again reflecting the heterogeneity of those unemployed and those affected by disability; some had very basic aspirations, looking at simply gain the confidence to talk to people and communicate effectively, on the other hand, others were seeking to access post graduate courses. This range and scope were viewed as strength, this enabled tailored flexible personal progression plans suited to the individual needs of each participant, and this inherent flexibility was viewed as key to the overall success of the program. Not a one size fits all procrustean model. But it also was a challenge, it was felt that the SEED project could have been more specific and targeted both by age group and disability to support those with Mental Health issues which are often hidden and don’t have the support mechanism of other disabilities such as physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities. In future consideration might be given to reducing the breadth of the programme and perhaps focus more on those with mental health issues The use of creative engagement and the instrumental application of the arts were seen as an intrinsically important element of the SEED Project. It was the element that the participants felt that benefited them in the most profound way – It challenged them, it made them question, and it contributed significantly to the self-reported increases in confidence and self-esteem. But it was not simply a result of using the arts, it was the skills, professionalism and attitude of the tutors and
facilitators - Their approach and ability to connect and engage with each of the participants irrespective of ability was remarkable. The writer was witness to one of these ‘empirical miracles’ or moment of magic when a skilled drama facilitator engaged with a participant who had exclude himself from the group, but through the application of instrumental drama the individual became fully integrated into the group, and actively participated, it was remarkable to witness. And there were many similar magic moments which in quiet difficult to put articulate because words seems to lessen or diminish their impacts, but they all serve to coalesce to make the seed project the success it was, in addition the patient and understanding non-judgemental supportive attitude of the staff and facilitators was seen as central to the overall success of the program. As part of the conversations a number of concerns were raised. There was some concern expressed around understanding the perceived complexities of the social protection/social welfare system – (what they were entitled to) combined with a lack of understanding of the mechanics of the systems operated. There is a requirement that staff be mindful of this knowledge deficit when engaging with people. However, the main concern expressed was the fear of losing general and specific benefits as a result of taking up a position. There was a real feeling of fear around this area that was paralysing many of the participants from progressing to the labour market. The participants unanimously endorsed the fact that they had gained and benefited significantly at a personal level from actively engaging with the SEED project, many felt imbued with a sense of purpose and renewed drive and motivation. However, the counterpoint to this was that there was a sense of apprehension and nervousness that if they were to take up a new position even on a part-time basis that this would impact negatively on the benefits both primary and secondary they were currently receiving from Social Protection. A typical expression of this feeling can be surmised in the quote “I feel fine now…, but what happens if I relapse in a few months time and have to try and claim again, I may not get my disability allowance back, I can’t risk all that, its not worth it”
Although a lot of concern was expressed around this, there were also constructive recommendations that might go some way to allaying the fears. The recommendation was mooted that a ‘safety net’ be put in place to ease the anxiety of ‘relapse’. That benefits be partially retained for a ‘settling in period’ similar to The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme for those people in receipt of benefits who become self employed, and retain a percentage of their benefits for a 2 year period. Whilst being aware of the constraints being imposed on the Department of Social Protection, if this model could be piloted and tested along with a more streamlined method of dissemination of information it would go a long way to dispel the reservations and concerns. We Want to Work!!! - The overwhelming perception gained from talking to participants was that they truly wanted to work and contribute fully to society, work was viewed as being an integral part of what and who they are; which indeed it is… The right to ‘work’ and the right to “just and favorable conditions of work” are human rights and recognized as such in Articles 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Article 27 of the Convention or the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Work is also a major determinant for good mental health and for recovery from mental health problems. Work provides a purpose, however, being unemployed and having a disability sapped people’s confidence and self-worth, this coupled with the lack of disposable income as a result of unemployment contributed to isolation and alienation. The SEED project was viewed as extremely positive and life affirming and transformative, but the anxiety of loosing benefits through taking a job is real. But if the suggestion around supported Back to Work Allowances could be extended to people in receipt of disability or illness benefits could be implemented this would go some considerable way to allaying these fears. There have been challenges over the life of the project, it is the learning from these which can and will potentially inform and guide future work in this area.
There is requirement in future programmes for more work to be done with employers to raise awareness and to provide meaningful job placements/work opportunities for people with a disability/illness. It is disappointing to point out, but it proved difficult to get employers in business to engage with the programme, they seemed reluctant and needed more convincing.
The Peer Mentoring Programme, this is an important element of the programme, and takes a lot of time and requires a great deal of support. It is not simply a training programme, the mentors have to be guided and supported on an ongoing basis and in terms of mainstreaming a greater commitment from the Family Resource Centres (FRCs) would be required to bed down the Peer Mentoring Programme. This element of the Programme requires ongoing support and resources beyond SEED to get it to a stage where it can operate as a standalone programme.
Despite a partial recovery, the economic climate in the region is still not conducive to significant job creation, many employers are still struggling to get by and this made securing meaningful work placements/job opportunities for participants very difficult.
As outlined previously the fear of participants losing benefits if they take up work and what happens if they then have a relapse is a real challenge. A recommendation is for individuals on Illness Benefit or Disability Allowance who wish to return to work,
is to ensure they can
automatically revert to benefits if they lose their job or relapse.
Transport and the lack thereof of public transport in rural areas is an ongoing issue. If we had not been able to provide transport a number of our participants would have been unable to engage with the programme. But transport costs are expensive and the impact on program costs
In conclusion, The SEED project has met and surpassed all the original aim and objectives and the participants who engaged with the project over the two year duration benefited greatly from the experience. There was a true commitment from all those involved with the SEED project; at an advisory level, project management level and staffing level, there was a definite commitment to make the project succeed.
However, the short terms nature of the project coupled with a lack of commitment to ongoing funding and investment has resulted in the SEED project becoming yet another ‘pilot’ programme that unfortunately failed to really take off, or rather wasn’t give the wings to enable it fly. This was in no way due to the commitment of all those involved, but as a consequence of the shortsighted nature of short tern financial support. The benefits and opportunities afforded to the project participants will not be available to others…. The issues and problems faced by people with disabilities in County Sligo have not been resolved or nor have they gone away; they are still there and all too real.
More work needs to be done to address these needs with a longer terms focus.
ANNEXES Open CommuniquÊ Position Paper Challenges and Suggested Recommendations towards Employment of SEED Participants SEED Project Steering Group March 2014 Prepared by Mark McCollum, on behalf of the Steering Group Brief Conversations on‌ Social Protection As part of the SEED Project a series of conversations took place with and between project participants. The primary topic of discussion being how the participants viewed, perceived and experienced the social welfare system.
These informal discussions in no way were empirical or scientific; they simply were a forum for the participants to articulate frankly their experiences of engaging with the structures of the social protections system, and share the feelings these engagements engendered in them through constructive discourse.
A number of personal experiences of interactions with Social Protection were related; some negative, some positive, but the prevailing sense which permeated the conversations was concerns around understanding the perceived complexities of the social protection/social welfare system combined with a lack of understanding of the mechanics of the systems. The main sentiment expressed was a genuine feeling of fear and apprehension that was paralysing the participants from progressing and entering the labour market. The participants unanimously endorsed the fact that they were gaining significantly at a personal level from actively engaging with the SEED project, there was reported increases in self confidence, self esteem and many felt imbued with a sense of purpose and renewed drive and motivation.
However, the counterpoint to this was that there was a sense of apprehension and trepidation that if they were to take up a new position even on a part-time basis that this would impact negatively on the benefits both primary and secondary they were
currently receiving from Social Protection.
A typical expression of this feeling can be surmised in the quote “I feel fine now…, but what happens if I relapse in a few months time and have to try and claim again, I may not get my disability allowance back, I can’t risk all that, its not worth it” Recommendation: Although a lot of concern was expressed, there was also constructive recommendations suggested that might go some way to allaying the fears. The suggestion was mooted that a ‘safety net’ be put in place to ease the anxiety of ‘relapse’, that benefits be partially retained for a ‘settling in period’ similar to The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme for those people in receipt of benefits who become self employed, and retain a percentage of their benefits for a 2 year period. Whilst being aware of the constraints being imposed on the Department of Social Protection, if this model could be piloted and tested along with a more streamlined method of dissemination of information it would go a long way to dispel the reservations and concerns. We Want to Work!!! The overwhelming sense was that people truly wanted to work and contribute fully to society, work was viewed as being and integral part of what and who they are; it provides people with a purpose. However, their being unemployed and having a disability sapped peoples confidence and self worth, this coupled with the lack of disposable income contributed to isolation and alienation. The SEED project was applauded for its inclusive nature which was viewed as extremely positive and life affirming, but the anxiety of loosing benefits through taking a job was real. But if the suggestion around supported Back to Work Allowances could be extended to people in receipt of disability or illness benefits could be implemented this would go some considerable way to allaying these fears.
Overall the dialogue and process was positive, nothing was insurmountable, fears can be addressed, and although there appeared to be perceived deficits in terms of information relating to benefits and entitlements and in particular how to access up to date valid and reliable sources of information, it was felt that this matter could be dealt I
with
Seed Project Steering Group
Open CommuniquĂŠ Position Paper