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Link-Up-Project
The Link-Up-Project is a registered charity (Charity No. 1076658) which was set up 12 years ago to help adults with learning difficulties prepare for the world of work. Based in Newbury, the Project is run by West Berkshire Mencap who work in partnership with Newbury College and West Berkshire Council. Link-Up provides valuable work skills training for up to 30 trainees a day, who are supported by trained staff in a work shop environment.
Jane Hall from the Link-Up-Project explains: “Our training courses cover several levels from Link-Up 1 through to Link-Up 3. When our service users with learning disabilities have successfully completed the first course, most will naturally progress through Link-Up 2 and onto using the services of a job coach in Link-Up3. Ultimately their vocational profile will be matched with a placement in the community with a local business or charity.” Link-Up 1 is provided by tutors at Newbury College and Link-Up 2 is based purely on work skills. On completion of the course, attendees may try out job placements in local businesses and charities or work with the Project’s joint tenants at The Slater Centre (The Community Project) on an Open College Network Course in furniture restoration. Link-Up 3 involves the role of a job coach to assist job seekers in developing skills to enable them to enter the workplace through training and work opportunities. The job coach will build a vocational profile and aim to source placements through local businesses or charities. The job coach fully supports the individual once they are in employment. Work allows the individual to develop and also offers benefits such as higher self-esteem, sense of achievement, and increased independence. It also gives opportunities to learn new skills, improve social contact, and make new friends. “Typically our service users receive positive ratings from employers and are often found to be dedicated, extremely hard working and valuable members of staff,” adds Jane. To find out more about the Link-Up Project please contact Jane Hall on 01635-500580 or visit www.link-up-project.org.uk. The Link-Up Project would be interested in sponsorship through the Business in Berkshire CSR Programme. www.businessinberkshire.co.uk
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