Major funding to support adults with learning disabilities and autism to find jobs
Great news! We have been awarded government funding to support adults with learning disabilities to find employment.
We have a 25-year history of supporting adults aged 18 years and over with learning disabilities to find employment through our in-house REAL Employment service.
How much are we spending?
Working in partnership with the Employment and Skills Service, REAL Employment have secured £600,000. £420,000 is from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Local Supported Employment (LSE) fund.
The funding will allow REAL Employment to enhance their offer to include support for adults with autism.
When will it start?
Starting from November 2022 the money will be used to support up to 120 residents to find employment, training, or volunteering opportunities in Kirklees over a three-year period.
What support can people access?
Residents can access support to find a role suitable for them. They will also receive help with CV writing, application forms and preparation for interview. Where necessary, the help will continue after the person enters employment.
A key aim of the programme will be to engage with families and young people as early as possible to enable people to gain employment and to promote the opportunities that local businesses can have by working with the programme to fill job vacancies.
Councillor Musarrat Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care said:
“We have an estimated 6,500 adults aged 18-64yrs old in Kirklees with a learning disability and a further 2,500 with autism.
“This funding is key in helping us to further break the barriers for residents who may face difficulties finding employment or connecting with training and volunteering opportunities because of their disability. This in turn will improve people’s health and wellbeing.
“One of our key aims is to support residents achieve their aspirations through employment and lifelong learning. Nobody should feel left out just because they have a disability.”
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said:
“I am delighted with news of this funding. It is well documented that employment improves the health outcomes and quality of life for people and their families.
“I hope this funding is just the start, in helping residents with learning disabilities and autism to find employment and continue to develop their skills over the coming years. This will also contribute to economic growth as we engage with businesses and ultimately create thriving communities in Kirklees.”
More information
Further details will be available on our website soon: www.kirklees.gov.uk/real