How specialist learning disability service, 46 Derby Road, empower the people we support to give back to their local communities and embrace working life!

The Monday blues hit most of us when we start another week of work. But there is a growing community of people in the UK who don’t get that feeling. Whether that’s volunteering or a paid part-time job, statistics show many people with learning disabilities want to go to work. 

But in 2020-21, only 4.8%* of adults with a learning disability were reported to be in some form of employment. Alarmingly, this shrunk from the previous period. In 2010-11, 6.6%* of working age adults with learning disabilities were in work.

These statistics suggest people with learning disabilities face barriers that prevent them approaching work and volunteering opportunities. Lack of awareness in communities and shrinking opportunities mean people with learning disabilities struggle to source employment.

We’re actively working to combat misconceptions about people with learning disabilities, and breakdown the barriers that stop them living fulfilled lives. Focusing on abilities, not disabilities, and working with inclusive, compassionate employers who mirror our values, we’re proving exactly how beneficial people with learning disabilities are to their businesses!

Promoting equality and inclusion

Across the country, our specialist learning disability support teams work hard to promote equality and inclusion for the people we support. Focusing on their individual interests and aspirations, they source meaningful opportunities that help them find purpose and live meaningful lives.

And our specialist learning disabilities service 46 Derby Road is all too familiar with the process of supporting people with learning disabilities to find employment.

Putting the people we support at the heart of their care, they’ve empowered them to chase their dreams and do everything their abled peers do. Promoting equal opportunities, they’ve built bridges with their local community, nurturing social integration, so the people we support can enter the world of work!

Inclusive opportunities

Phillip and Michael have both lived at 46 Derby Road for over 15 years. Through person-centred support, Mandy, the Registered Manager, and the team there have identified just how important jobs are to them.

Armed with this information, Mandy and the team embarked on a mission to find them jobs, ensuring they woke up each morning with purpose and fulfilment.

Phillip joined Derby Road when he was in his early 20s. As a person with Asperger syndrome, he struggled with low self-esteem, and had difficulty engaging with others. With independence on his mind, he was on the lookout for volunteering jobs.

Phillip feared his disability would impact him getting a typical paid job, which knocked his confidence even more, leaving him frustrated. When he got part-time jobs, he would lose them quickly because his employers didn’t understand his needs. Phillip became withdrawn and isolated during his periods of unemployment.  

Michael is a person we support with autism. When he arrived at 46 Derby Road, his wellbeing was suffering. Previously, he hadn’t found ways to pursue the things that mattered to him – like getting a job.

Lacking confidence, Michael was unable to source volunteering opportunities by himself. Aware of the stigma around people with learning disabilities, this made him feel devalued and isolated.

Springing into action to support both Phillip and Michael, our expert team at 46 Derby Road knew exactly what to do. Sourcing inclusive organisations, they found opportunities for both gentlemen to work – with exciting volunteering ventures!  

Community heroes

Our specialist team supported both Phillip and Michael to be active in the local community through part-time volunteering roles. Recognising that volunteering would benefit both Phillip and Michael and their local community, there was lots to be gained!  

Through volunteering opportunities, they both built up their confidence and developed many valuable life skills. The roles developed their communication skills, which helped them make meaningful connections in the community.

Thanks to these skills, Phillip and Michael can give back to others. Many of the people they interact with at their jobs are also vulnerable or in need of social support. Seeing Phillip and Michael’s cheery faces and beaming smiles gives them hope and reassurance that a friendly face is just around the corner.

More than just a job!

For Phillip, his impact on others is a big bonus. With support from his team, he understands the huge impact he’s having on other people’s lives. And now, with four volunteering jobs on Phillip’s radar, he’s thriving! His days of being withdrawn and isolated are over. Both his mental health and social skills have improved, and his weekly routine is more structured – which is key to his happiness.

And the same goes for Michael! Seeing the impact volunteering had on his cheery housemate, he was keener than ever to get a job too! But Michael’s confidence was a tender matter. So, they worked with him to find jobs that would suit his needs.

Mandy and the team took extra time to ensure potential employers understood how Michael’s autism presented and his daily needs. This helped Michael’s future employers provide positive action that empowered, protected and assisted him in the workplace. With this mentioned he was set up for success, minimising potential hurdles!  

Eventually, with support from Mandy and her expert team, Michael’s secured a job of his own! With his newfound confidence, he happily volunteered at a local charity shop and helped at an art café over the summer months. But Micheal strived for more! He went on to volunteer at a soup kitchen too. Quickly, he was catching up with housemate Phillip and felt equally as fulfilled every day.

Before they knew it, our team at Derby Road had empowered two people we support to become heroes in their local communities.

Our approach to volunteering success

Advocating for people with learning disabilities is a key part of our approach. Championing equality and inclusion for people like Michael and Phillip is what makes us unique.

Just like how Mandy and her team at 46 Derby Road are approaching inclusion in the community, they always ensure Michael and Phillip’s needs are at the heart of what they do. Helping them to gain valuable skills in a working environment, they’re making meaningful contributions to society and striving to be the best versions of themselves!

Every day, our teams empower people with learning disabilities to reach their full potential by helping them to access work opportunities. Together, they’re smashing social stigmas and breaking down barriers in the community that prevent them from working, ensuring the people we support with learning disabilities live purposeful and meaningful lives.

*Mencap, 2024.

Find out more!

Read more about Phillip’s journey to becoming a volunteering superstar!

Ready to find out how we could support you, a loved one, or a client? Fill out our quick and easy form and a member of our team will be in touch.   

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• autism
• learning disability