WORKMATES
"Workmates", our Supported Education and Employment Service is designed specifically to support young adults with high support needs, aged 17-25, in the Glasgow area. ‘High support needs’ would be classed as requiring at least one-to-one support to sustain a meaningful experience in the workplace or college.
The
service provides opportunities for:- |
|
 |
Continuing
and further education |
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Vocational
training |
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Development
of independence |
|
Career
development |
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Supported
work experience and employment |
Workmates works with each young person as necessary, either directly supporting a placement or in the planning process. This may increase over time as occupation increases, or may decrease as natural supports are developed.
The
Workmates project is based on the following principles and basic human
needs:- |
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| |
A
positive approach where each young adult is respected and valued for
themselves and the contribution they can make. |
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Lifelong
learning and the opportunity to gain from experience |
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Equal
opportunities in the employment market, and to be accepted in the workplace
as an equal |
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Person
centred planning – focussing on the gifts and aspirations of the
young person rather than their differences, and involving them, their
family, friends and the professionals who know and like them in the
process of designing and managing a unique set of supports which reflect
those gifts and aspirations, as well as individual health and safety
issues. |
|
The
right to work, and be seen as an adult |
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To
enjoy the experience, as well as having something to offer an employer |
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The
need to enjoy a balanced lifestyle |
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To earn money to enjoy leisure time |
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To
have a sense of worth and achievement |
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To
mix in a wider world, not ‘special’ services, but ‘ordinary’
places and people |
Workmates
aims to start working with these young people in the year prior to their
leaving school. The role of the service is to provide support to young
people who:- |
|
|
Are
currently at school |
|
Have
recently gone to Adult Training Centres |
|
May
have part time support from other agencies |
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Are
currently at home with no service |
All
the students have significant learning difficulties and many will have
additional difficulties such as:- |
|
|
Autistic
spectrum disorders |
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Sensory
impairment |
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Communication
difficulties |
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Long
standing or significant health needs |
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Physical differences |
Each
student will benefit from a unique package of support appropriate to
his/her needs. Workmates provides opportunities for growth and development
to enable individuals to enjoy a fulfilled lifestyle. The benefits to
them will include:- |
|
|
A
wider circle of relationships |
|
Development
of natural supports |
|
Different
supports from those normally experienced |
East Park School trading as East Park incorporated in Scotland (Company Number: SC356976)
East Park is an equal opportunities employer regulated by the Care Commission and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education