We are encouraging local businesses and community organisations to sign up to a successful scheme which helps adults with a learning disability into work.
Since its launch in July 2011, our ‘New Horizons’ service has been working with local employers and supported nearly 70 adults into paid employment and 80 into unpaid voluntary work.
The service, which was formed after merging four existing teams, aims to provide a personalised approach to individuals so that they can meet their full potential and develop their independence skills, while integrating into mainstream community services.
We are now looking to expand the service and are calling on local businesses, community venues, shops, cafes and the like to step forward and join the scheme.
Local leisure trust Active Luton has already benefited from the service and has employed a number people at its charity shop and café, and also has a team of people employed to provide general grounds maintenance at its facilities across the town. Sainsbury’s has also been a big supporter of the scheme with seven placements so far.
Cllr Mahmood Hussain, Portfolio Holder for adult social care, said: “The confidence and self-worth of adults with learning disabilities can really be boosted through developing new skills and earning a living.
“We are really pleased to be partnering with local businesses who are themselves benefitting from the service by having access to a database of willing employees and getting stability in jobs which have a traditionally high turnover.”
“Our relationship with the company is a vital part of our success and that is why we ensure they receive the right support. I encourage more businesses to join up to this excellent scheme.”
Companies currently involved in the New Horizons scheme include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Ocean, Everon, Co-op, Asda, Active Luton, Crawleys, Bam Nuttal, Luton Law Centre, Arriva, B & Q, Luton Borough Council, Next, Bakers Dozen, Wilkinsons, Marks and Spencers, SSP Catering, Cabenco and Stopsley High School.
Any other business interested in finding out more about the scheme should call 01582 548370.