How can you benefit

There are many great reasons for signing up for a supported employment programme. 

Every year hundreds of people with disabilities and long-term conditions are supported to get a job, many of them for the first time.  Supported Employment follows a clear 5 stage process but it is individual and flexible to each person’s needs.

How can supported employment work for you?

Supported employment aims to get you a real job for real pay – just like everyone else.

You will have the opportunity to develop a detailed plan for getting a job and the employment worker who supports you will take time to get to know you and understand what you need.

There will be lots of 1-to-1 support and you will work at a pace that is appropriate for you.

Taking part in a supported employment programme is a great opportunity to learn new skills and build your confidence if you have not worked before.

Supported employment isn’t a training programme but you will have the opportunity to do some work tasters or work experience if this will help you to get a job.

It’s important that you are better off when you go into work.  Your employment worker will take time to understand the benefits you are receiving and they will make sure  that when you enter a job you do not lose out on anything you are entitled to.

Supported employment should last for as long as you need. In most cases you will get about 12 months of support to get a job and you will be supported in work until you are ready to move forward without support.

Your employment worker will be able to provide job coaching when you start a job and in most cases they will arrange for you to have a workplace mentor.

You’ll get the opportunity to meet lots of new people and make new friends (and improve your social life!) in the supported employment service and in your new job.

Find out more about supported employment