Helping Dan into the world of work

The County Council’s Supported Employment Service offers people with disabilities a helping hand with getting into the world of work.

The service matches work opportunities and placements to people’s needs and strengths with the aim of giving them experience that will help them to secure permanent employment.

One person who has benefitted from the scheme is Dan who works at a bar, restaurant and kitchen garden business called ‘The Flyford’. The Supported Employment Service team worked with the owner to find an opportunity that would be beneficial to the business and suitable for Dan.

One year on, he is now an established member of the team, completing grounds maintenance, gardening, weeding, and general assistant duties around the site.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Worcestershire County Council said: “It is great and really heartening to hear of Dan’s progress and how the Supported Employment Scheme has made a real difference for him and his employer. 

“This scheme is key as it helps people with disabilities, who may never have worked before, through the complexities of the world of work and opens up further employment opportunities. While this helps our residents to stay independent for as long as possible, it also nurtures a sense of purpose and belonging, which in turn combats isolation and loneliness.”



The Supported Employment Team met with Dan and his family on several occasions throughout the process, taking the time to understand his motivations, aspirations, interests, skills, and support needs. Dan has ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, and a non-specific learning disability.

He was very keen to use his skills to find work, but his disability meant he required support with finding suitable opportunities as well as navigating application processes and interviews. 

The team were there every step of the way, and introduced Dan to the owner at ‘The Flyford’.

As an alternative to the more formal recruitment and selection process, the team suggested that Dan could complete an informal Supported Interview Visit followed by a Work Taster of three shifts.

The work taster gave the business an opportunity to find out how Dan performed and how he fitted in with the team as well as any support and adjustments that might be needed.

The support Dan received was just the ticket. He was offered employment before the Work Taster was completed. 



If you know a Worcestershire based business that would like to get involved and explore the potential to offer a work opportunity please visit the Supported Employment Service pages of the County Council website.