Ceredigion’s Employability Support services has helped a Ceredigion resident, Kimberly, 23, to secure a job in her local area.
In late 2023, Kimberly joined the Local Supported Employment (LSE) scheme implemented by Ceredigion Employability Support and began to work closely with Misha, a Ceredigion Employability Mentor.
Due to Kimberly’s previous seasonal cleaning work experience, Misha acknowledged that Kimberly wanted to find similar work in the cleaning industry, but needed support when communicating and interviewing with potential employers, due to her anxiety, depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Misha spent a lot of time supporting Kimberly, discussing potential employers, preferential working environments, and how many hours per week she wanted to work. With assistance from Ceredigion County Council’s Employment Support Team, a plan was put in place and Misha began reaching out to potential employers.
Before long, a positive conversation struck up with local Aberaeron-based business “50 Shades of Clean”, who were immediately happy to discuss Kimberly and the barriers she was facing in her employment journey. Kimberly attended a number of trial shifts with the business, and was soon recognised as a key member of the team.
Kimberly was provided with a mobile phone with credit enabling her to access essential apps for her job and to communicate easily with her employer, mentor, and friends.
Kimberly has secured work up to two days a week, giving her a chance to grow in confidence and learn new skills. She said: “It was a very steady approach to becoming employed. My Mentor explained everything to me really well and I felt comfortable making the journeys to meet her, because she made everything seem doable. It was important was that I was able to earn money, maintain a sense of structure in my weekly routine and develop some social skills.”
Misha, Employability Support Mentor said: “It was evident that as an employer, 50 Shades of Clean are empathetic and understanding towards disability and inclusivity within the workplace, and have shown active ways of working with Kimberly. They have been supportive in giving Kimberly time to get used to the job and its demands, and making reasonable adjustments where necessary, such as helping her with time management.”
Stephanie, who is Kimberly’s employer at 50 Shades of Clean, said: “Collaboratively, this project has worked really well. Having Misha involved has not only helped Kimberly, but it has also helped me. The experience has been smooth and helpful, and things couldn’t have been easier. I appreciate having an LSE Mentor involved who can act as the in-between when needed.”
Support is provided locally by Ceredigion County Council's Employability Support Team through the Local Supported Employment scheme. The scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions in partnership with Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire County Councils. The project provides support for people aged 16 and up who have a learning disability, or autism, to support them in securing sustainable employment.
To find out more about the Employability Services we provide in Ceredigion, email TCC-EST@ceredigion.gov.uk or call 01970 633422. You can also keep up to date with our activities by following our social media channels: Cymorth Gwaith Ceredigion Work Support on Facebook and @CymorthGwaithCeredWorkSupport on Instagram.
23/04/2024