Local woman with disabilities secures 'dream job' in Wells

A Glastonbury woman with learning disabilities has found her 'dream job' thanks to a re-launched council support project.

Sian, a young woman with learning disabilities, worked part-time in a Glastonbury café for several years but was unable to secure the extra hours that she required.

With the support of Somerset County Council's Aspire programme Sian has now found a better paid job with better hours at a café in Wells.

"I am really happy I got my dream job," she said.

"I like meeting customers and have made new friends in my job, I am earning more money," she explained, "My family are very happy for me and I'm really proud and pleased to have two jobs."

Aspire helped Sian with her CV, application form and interview skills, which saw her receive the new job at Morrisons Café in Wells.

The council say the service will be on hand at to help out at any time should she feel she needs any extra support.

Over 20 people with learning disabilities across Somerset have been supported into paid employment by this service, since June 2012, working everywhere from supermarkets to schools.

As well as those now in work, nearly a hundred more are being helped to develop the skills they need for employment in the future.

Councillor Christine Lawrence, the county council's Adults and Health chief, said: "I'm delighted with the progress that's being made."

"We want to make sure there are opportunities for those who want them, providing the support and developing the skills that make the move into employment as easy as possible.

"Not only are these real jobs with real wages, they give people priceless independence and involvement in their local communities."

In June 2012 the Council re-launched the initiative to help people with learning disabilities into work through specialist organisations Aspire, run by the council, and Dimensions, an independent provider.

They assess interests and strengths, identify suitable opportunities with employers, and then provide support to successfully land a job and keep it.