More than 140 people to benefit from SEND employment scheme in Salford

More than 140 people are set to benefit from a scheme offering one-to-one SEND employment support in Salford.

The Salford Supported Employment Service will help people with SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) who are currently unemployed to find suitable paid jobs

Run by Salford City Council and the Growth Company, the service will provide one to one support for those with SEN, including in-work training and guidance for both the new recruit and employer.

The new service is only one of 24 areas across England and Wales to receive Local Supported Employment grant funding.

Councillor Phil Cusack, Executive Support Member for Skills, Work and Business at Salford City Council, said: “Unemployment amongst people with autism or learning disabilities is high in Salford. This new service is vital in tackling this. It will make a significant difference to so many lives – people who may have never worked, or those who want to return to work or try something new.

“This new service is for people aged 18 and over and offers permanent paid employment. We strongly believe that anyone who wants to work should be given the opportunity to do so. This service will help people to find a job that matches their interests and aspirations and will support them in the workplace for as long as needed.”

Drop in sessions for the service are being held between 10am and 2pm:

• Thursday 30 March 2023 – Eccles Gateway, 28 Barton Lane, Eccles, M30 0TU
• Wednesday 5 April 2023 – Swinton Gateway, 100 Chorley Road, Swinton, M27 6BP
• Thursday 13 April 2023 – Pendleton Gateway, 1 Broadwalk, Pendleton, M6 5FX
• Thursday 20 April 2023 – Walkden Gateway, 2 Smith Street, Walkden, M28 3EZ

Michelle Leeson, Managing Director for Employment at the Growth Company said: “People with autism and learning disabilities often bring a different outlook and skill set, making them real assets in an organisation.

“We have extensive experience of working with businesses to provide supported employment. Usually minor changes are needed, such as adapting the interview process, introducing a quiet room or a quiet hour in the staff canteen. There’s value in providing this targeted support to improve diversity and encourage people into careers that have previously been off limits to them.”

To find out more about the service, email supportedemployment@salford.gov.uk.