Press Release

Calling all local employers...

To mark International Day of Disabled Persons, Alabaré is calling on employers across Andover and the rest of Hampshire to get behind their Supported Employment Project.

Monday 3rd December is International Day of Disabled Persons, a day that has been promoted by the UN since 1992.  The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the issues surrounding disabilities and make people recognise and understand the importance of equality in all aspects of life.  The theme of this year’s Day is ‘Decent work for persons with disabilities’.

Hampshire Supported Employment (HSE) is a project run by the charity Alabaré.  It helps people with learning disabilities to access employment and work experience opportunities and provides support with other work-related issues like CV writing and completing applications. 

The team works closely with individuals to assess their skills and find out what sort of work they are interested in.  They will then approach suitable employers and see if they can help by offering them either a paid or voluntary placement.  Some clients are able to work un-supported but others receive support from either a member of HSE staff or the employer.

With the focus of this year’s International Day of the Disabled Person being on ‘decent employment’, the HSE team are encouraging more businesses in Andover and across Hampshire to consider offering placements. 

Rebecca Herring from Hampshire Supported Employment says “It would be great if more employers could offer placements to our clients.  Just because a person has a particular learning disability it doesn’t mean that they don’t have valuable skills to offer an employer.”

She added “For many of our clients, going out to work does wonders for their confidence and self esteem and really boosts their feeling of self-worth.”

If you would like to find out more about Supported Employment contact Kerry Lemon on 07795 165032 or email k.lemon@alabare.co.uk

One client’s story:

Alistaire who has mild learning disabilities was referred to us in May 2007 by Adsema, a day service in Andover that he has been attending for over 5 years.  After initial assessment it was decided that Alistaire’s dream job would be working with children. 

In June he had an interview with the Test Valley Community Services (TVCS) Co-ordinator and was then offered a trial post as Youth Helper in the local youth club for 4-11yr olds.  In August Alistaire was offered the position on a permanent basis.  

We then received a phone call from Andover Kids Church saying that they were looking for Youth Workers and that Alabaré's Supported Employment team had been recommended, due to the hard work they had seen Alistaire put in at the youth club. 

Alistaire says "I am very very happy about being offered this job. All Alabaré people are very nice and kind and they can help you do anything that you want to do. I love helping the children in my job."

When asked what was his favourite part of the job was he replied "All of it!"

-Ends-

For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.  www.alabare.co.uk