Havering College of Further and Higher Education is preparing to host an event at the House of Commons to encourage large corporates to take on people with learning disabilities.
Hornchurch and Upminster MP Angela Watkinson has arranged for the college’s innovative ROSE (Realistic Opportunities for Supported Employment) programme to hold a networking event aimed at helping more young people with learning disabilities get a foot on the jobs ladder.
Havering College ROSE programme joint manager, Jenny Carr said: “These are tough economic times but we know employers who have taken on ROSE clients haven’t looked back. It is a life-changing experience for young people with learning disabilities who want the same opportunities as others to have jobs and develop their own independence. Getting involved is a superb way for companies to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility.”
The event at Westminster on Wednesday, October 17, follows a recent visit to Havering College by Children’s and Families Minister Sarah Teather where she announced the nationwide roll out of a supported internship programme similar to the ROSE model.
The �3million Government pilot involving 15 colleges will allow thousands of young people with learning difficulties across the UK to receive support into employment.
Havering College launched its ROSE programme in 2006 and will be sharing its expertise in delivering supported employment programmes.
A key to the ROSE programme’s high success rate is the individual service offered to each client which sources the right form of employment for them.
Job coaches then support the client in the workplace until both client and employer are confident with the role. In most cases this is achieved within a year.
The purpose of the House of Commons event is to encourage more businesses and other organisations to come forward with job opportunities for people with learning disabilities after hearing first hand experiences from the employers ROSE currently works with and the clients themselves.
For a place at the event, call Havering College on 01708 462865 or email rose@havering-college.ac.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here