A man who felt like his learning disability was a barrier to working life has found a paid job through a County Durham supported employment service.
Shaun Ridley found he was struggling to secure paid employment due to his learning disability, and, as a result, was suffering with his confidence, wellbeing, and mental health.
The 36-year-old was referred to DurhamEnable, a supported employment service run by Durham County Council to help residents with disabilities or mental health difficulties into work.
He was paired with job coach Julie Patterson, who worked with Shaun on a one-to-one basis that suited his personal needs, offering pre-work support and job matching to help him find the right role.
With the help of Julie, Shaun has now gained a paid job with Inclusion North, a North East organisation which helps to improve inclusivity for people with autism or learning disabilities.
Being able to travel independently to work and receive a salary has significantly boosted Shaun’s confidence and wellbeing, and he has made new friendships at his workplace.
Shaun said: “DurhamEnable is a brilliant service and has really helped me. I have a close relationship with Julie and she really understands me. I would recommend DurhamEnable to others.”
Julie Patterson, DurhamEnable job coach, said: “I have really enjoyed working with Shaun and I am so proud of his journey so far and supporting him into his dream. He is a pleasure to work with and I feel this is life changing for him. It’s only the start of a fantastic career for him.”
Cllr Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “I am delighted to hear of Shaun’s success in his new job and that the support through DurhamEnable has allowed him to build his confidence in looking for work.
“It is vitally important that our residents have the opportunity to gain and stay in paid employment no matter their disability or condition. Not only does this boost the wellbeing and confidence of the individual but ensures a greater diversity of staff and skill within a workplace to meet business need and allow individuals to reach their full potential.”
DurhamEnable is a free supported employment service to help residents with disabilities and mental health difficulties prepare, find, and stay in paid employment.
The service works with people aged 18 and over with many types of disability and health conditions including physical and learning disabilities, autism spectrum condition, and mental ill health.
Support is also available to local employers, offering tailored, flexible support to help residents learn the role and integrate into the business. The team offers free advice, training, and support within the workplace, which reduces recruitment costs and improves employee retention.
For more information about referrals and the support DurhamEnable can offer, contact durhamenable@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/DurhamEnable
