People with disabilities should be supported into a work placement and have equal access to development opportunities. Having a job helps people to feel more independent, valued and gives them goals and aspirations. At Next Step we endeavour to find a work placement that is person-centred, enjoyable and offers the individual the chance to develop within the role. As a result we have seen people grow in confidence and become motivated by the work they are doing.

 


 

Sam’s Work Placement Story

Sam has held work placements at Eureka! Children’s Museum, and Ponderosa Farm. He currently works hard as a volunteer at Orange Box in Halifax where he has also joined a choir and will be performing at Christmas, including singing solo! Sam will soon be moving on to work at the newly developed Square Chapel Arts Centre in Halifax.

Here’s what Sam would like to share with you about his work, followed by a short testimonial written by Jamie at Orange Box:

SAM: “At Eureka! I enjoyed tidying the shelves and the game in the other room and meeting people. At Ponderosa farm I enjoyed feeding the animals and meeting people. I now work at Orange Box on Wednesday morning. I work in the café and I’ve got my own office and work on reception. I like working there and seeing my friends. I like doing karaoke and I love seeing my friends at the choir and my staff and others”.

JAMIE: “Sam is a fantastic volunteer and it is brilliant to have him as part of the team at Orange Box young people’s centre. He is a real character and his warm bubbly nature means that he provides the perfect welcome for visitors.

Sam does a variety of tasks such as greeting people at reception, answering the phone, keeping the café tidy and presentable and looking after the café library. He always does things to the best of his ability and to a high standard.

It has been really rewarding to see his confidence and skills grow. He clearly enjoys coming to Orange Box and his natural ability of lifting people’s spirits means it’s a pleasure to have him working with us”.


 

Natalie’s Work Placement Story

Natalie has worked in the the Next Step kitchen assisting with our catering for a long time. She is very proud of the meals she helps to make and gets lots of enjoyment from leaving the kitchen and dining room clean and tidy. In addition to her work in the kitchen, Natalie has helped out at the local hairdressers, and has recently started a work placement at ‘Fabbadashery’ in Halifax town centre.

“I clean the tables and fill the tea and coffee bowls. I help Sue. I enjoy helping”.

 


 

Katherine’s Work Placement Story

Katherine has worked in the canteen at Crossley Heath School for a long time now. She started the work placement whilst she was a student at Ravenscliffe High School and carried it through when she made the transition to The Next Step Trust. This was really important to her.

Katherine really enjoys her time spent with the other members of staff in the canteen. She has her own uniform and name badge just like them and is truly regarded as one of the team. It’s fantastic to see her proud smiling face.

Katherine’s roles include cleaning the tables after the morning break in preparation for lunch, and also pricing up the food for students to buy. Then, after her hard work she enjoys a well-earned drink and snack with her fellow staff members.

Katherine has full support whilst attending her work placement which also includes walking to and from King Cross to Crossley Heath adding a further dimension to the development of her skills.

An on-going thank you goes out to all the staff at Crossley Heath for their continued support with this very important aspect of Katherine’s life.

 


 

 

Eureka! Work Placements

Several Next Steppers have undertaken voluntary work placements at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum. This has become possible due to Eureka! winning the International Award for Inclusion Project.

All Next Steppers have to go through a full application and interview process to take on the role. They have an official job description, are responsible for their own time keeping, and are included in all the staff meetings relating to their position

All involved have gained invaluable experience: They are contributing to their community; developing their social skills; and gaining real-life work experience. That in turn has extended to parents and carers of each Next Stepper who have seen, at first hand, the progress being made by these opportunities.

The positive feedback we have also received from the staff at Eureka! illustrates that the project is of mutual benefit. Staff have expressed how much they have enjoyed working alongside each Next Stepper and how that in turn has been an enriching experience.

We hope to have more work placement opportunities at Eureka! and in the meantime extend a very warm thank you to everyone involved.

Click here to read an in-depth review of our Next Steppers’ contribution towards the scheme.

 


 

Anthony’s Work Placement Story

“I used to go to Next Step back in 2007. I was a Next Stepper for about three years. The staff were so nice to me. Helen Lane, who is now Head of Centre at Next Step, was my support worker when I was still at school so I knew I was going to enjoy coming to Next Step.

I liked my activities: A work placement at Tesco, bowling, relaxing in aromatherapy and skills sessions in the kitchen. Jill, the Head of Catering then, always made me wash my hands before we cooked. I learnt many skills in the kitchen.

Working in a team and sometimes working independently whilst at Next Step helped me find a job. I was supported by Harriet and Gary on a work placement at a residential complex in Hebden Bridge. I worked there voluntarily as a kitchen assistant. This was all good experience for me and helped me achieve my next step.

I decided to rejoin Next Step as a volunteer in 2012. I work Wednesdays and assist the kitchen staff at King Cross. Over the time I have been volunteering here, the number of people attending the centre has increased which means I am more busy and have more responsibility, but I enjoy the challenge and am proud of myself. Each week I help prepare a variety of meals to a “five- star” standard. I also help the Next Steppers in their baking sessions. This makes me happy and gives me a chance to catch up with some old and new friends”.

 


 

 

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