There are approximately 6.8 million disabled people of working age in the UK and they are five times more likely to be out of work than a non-disabled person. For so many, they just want to be a part of the working world, but as a society we have failed to accommodate their needs.
Supported Community Business (Special Needs) Limited was established to provide a therapeutic workshop where people with special needs and/or learning difficulties could experience real work tasks in a controlled and supportive environment. The long-term aim is to enable service users to progress to supported employment and ultimately open employment.
To date SCB has helped over 60 people and currently has the capacity to offer placements to 20 individuals, helping them in developing their skills, confidence, social interaction, knowledge and understanding of the workplace. Packaging small DIY items, labelling products, filling crayon boxes and preparing mass mailings give simple but achievable and measurable results for the individual that can be monitored, whilst receiving instruction and support from dedicated staff. Progress is carefully monitored, with regular reviews being carried out, as skills are built up towards the possibility of an external placement.
Supported Community Business offers a unique opportunity to support ambition in special needs individuals, and enable them to fulfil their potential.
