Helping Callum take his first steps into employment

The service supports people who are neurodiverse, have a Learning Disability, or live with a long term health condition. By focusing on each individual’s strengths, abilities, and aspirations, the team works to move people closer to securing employment that suits them.

This approach is strengthened by close collaboration with organisations and businesses across Worcestershire. Their commitment to inclusive employment plays a vital role in creating opportunities, widening access, and building a more diverse workforce throughout the county.

One person who has benefitted from the partnership is Callum.

Callum is Neurodiverse and loves the outdoors. He had been volunteering for several years, acquiring lots of practical skills that would make him a great employee, but had never found an opportunity to secure paid work.  

The Supported Employment service reached out to the Emily Jordan Foundation, who directly offer employment opportunities for those with Learning Disabilities through their GroundworX team. A working interview and induction was arranged for Callum, where he could demonstrate his skills.

This has led to a part time contract with the GroundworX team, working on local contracts to maintain gardens and community spaces.

Callum has been working in their Grounds Maintenance team for several months now. The council team keep in contact with Callum and his Supervisor, checking in that all is progressing well.

Callum said: “Before starting work I spent more time at home, but I really wanted to find a job to keep me busy, gain more experience and earn my own money. Since starting work I feel more confident and happier in myself. I enjoy working with people and learning new skills, such as using a diesel lawn mower.  I’m looking forward to learning more in the future and would like to thank The Foundation and GroundworX for giving me an opportunity to work and prove what I can do. “

Chris Jordan, Chair of Trustees at The Emily Jordan Foundation said: “For several years I was going to local companies, trying to get them to support us in getting people with Learning Disabilities into work, with limited success. So we decided to do it ourselves! We started to go out and get ground maintenance contracts, and from the monies received be able to pay the guys for the work they do.
This has proved to be a great success. We now have many regular contracts across industrial estates, care homes, reservoirs and retail parks, doing litter picking, strimming, mowing, hedge cutting and anything else necessary. The guys do an amazing job and we have received many great testimonials for the work done. The money they get changes their lives - their self esteem goes through the roof. They are earning like everyone else, as they should be with the hard work they do!”

Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Callum’s journey into work is fantastic to hear and a brilliant example of how our supported employment services are leading the way in Worcestershire. Callum has been supported by our Careers Worcestershire team through the Supported Employment Service, funded by Public Health Worcestershire, showing just how powerful it is when our county council services work together with a shared purpose. Our services are breaking down barriers, getting people into work, supporting local businesses, and strengthening Worcestershire’s workforce. It shows loud and clear that there should be no barrier to employment in our county, and that we mean business!”

Worcestershire County Council’s Supported Employment Service is part of their Careers Worcestershire programme and is funded by Public Health.

If you know a Worcestershire based business that would like to get involved and explore the potential to offer a work opportunity please visit our dedicated Supported Employment Service pages.

For more information on the Emily Jordan Foundation, please visit The Emily Jordan Foundation website.