Vocational Support Service
Supporting people with learning difficulties, autism and mental health needs into meaningful and valued employment. Part of the national charity – CIC Group.
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Work gives us all a sense of independence and achievement. It offers us the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and is an important source of self-esteem. At Vocational Support Service we understand that people with learning difficulties, autism and mental health concerns have the same aspirations for personal success as anyone else. We believe that disability should not be a barrier to working, and that is why we offer support to find paid or voluntary employment.
What we do By becoming part of Vocational Support Service we will:• Work closely with you to identify your individual skills, interests, aspirations and goals. • Support you to find the right job for you. • Assist you in getting vocational training and qualifications. • Help you access work experience and job taster placements. • Offer continuous on and off the job monitoring and support. • Help you get benefits advice, if needed.
Our Autism specialism Vocational Support became the first supported employment service in the UK to achieve Autism Accreditation status, formally recognising our experience and expertise in supporting people on the autistic spectrum.
Working with employers At Vocational Support Service we are committed to developing long-lasting, mutually supportive relationships with employers. There are lots of myths and prejudices which discourage employers from employing people with disabilities and we work hard to educate and support employers, highlighting the benefits of employing people with additional needs. We are constantly receiving feedback from the employers we work with, praising the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of our service users and the Vocational Support Service staff who support them. By becoming part of our service, employers can:• Access reliable, dedicated and motivated staff. • Prove their commitment to being a genuinely socially responsible business. • Cultivate a diverse workforce. • Send a positive message to both staff and customers. • Provide opportunities for other staff members to develop their skills.
Our success stories…
Kevin Kevin lives in his own flat at one of CIC’s Independent Living services. He is supported to work two days a week at McDonald's. “I was really pleased to get the job at McDonald's; it’s close to where I live and being paid means I can buy nice things for my flat,” says Kevin. Jane, who Kevin is paired with under the
Clare Clare joined Vocational Support with a goal of working in retail. She was soon supported to secure a paid job at Asda, where she now works two days a week.
McDonald’s ‘Buddy’ scheme, says: “Kevin has progressed so much that he doesn’t need my support anymore. He’s settled in really well and is always having a laugh with staff!” Kevin adds, “Everyone at McDonald's has really made me feel part of their team. I love working here!”
Support Worker, Maria, says: "Although she’s non-verbal, Clare doesn’t let this affect her communication with colleagues and customers. She uses sign language, as well as written and typed communication to speak to people. Clare’s colleagues say they are thrilled to be working with such a happy, positive person and it’s clear to see what a valued member of the team she has become.”
Amy
Amy has been supported by Vocational Support for over two years. She currently works at Costa Coffee in Liverpool. “Amy is delighted that her hard work and commitment over the last year has been rewarded with a paid role at Costa,” explains Vanessa, Amy’s Support Worker. “Amy has become more confident and it’s a pleasure to see her chatting to customers while she goes about her job.” Amy says, “I really like working at Costa and getting paid means I can do more of my favourite hobby – clothes shopping!” Laura Coulter, Assistant Manager at Costa adds: “We love having Amy as part of our team. Not only is she hard working, she is an absolute star who never fails to bring a smile to everyone’s face.”
Mat thew Matthew is a determined young man who over the past five years has gone on to achieve his goal of securing not one, but two paid jobs! “At first Matt was really quite shy and anxious about working but it was clear that he had a natural affinity with children, so we supported him to find vocational training at a local Sure Steps nursery,” explains Support Worker, Judith. “Soon after, Matthew was offered a paid role and he now works totally independently from us at the nursery, which is an amazing achievement. However, Matthew didn’t stop there; he then decided to take up a short placement with Next too. Again his efficiency and enthusiasm
impressed and he was offered another paid role!" Judith adds: “Matt’s success demonstrates what can be achieved with Vocational Support. He has overcome a lot of barriers and we couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Laura Animal lover Laura has been supported by Vocational Support for over a year and has been lucky enough to find her dream job placement at Pets At Home.
Jennifer Jennifer is part of a team of volunteers at Aintree Hospital in Merseyside, where she is supported to work two days a week. Helping with fundraising, visitor information, and delivering the hospital newsletter, Jennifer approaches her job with bags of enthusiasm. Marilyn, Jennifer’s Support Worker, says, “Jenny was quite shy at first, but her role provides lots of interaction with people which has really helped her confidence to flourish. Jenny really has come a long way since we first met.”
“I have lots of different jobs to do each day like stocktaking, shelf-stacking and helping the customers with any questions they have,” explains Laura. “But the best part of my job is definitely getting to see all the different animals – they make me giggle!” Tammy, who supports Laura during her placement, adds: “Pets At Home has been a fantastic work placement for Laura. It’s given her lots more routine and structure to her day, really helping relieve her anxieties. Most importantly, it’s given her a greater sense of purpose and self-esteem.”
Vocational Support Services Job Bank 4 Tunnel Road Wavertree Liverpool L7 6QD
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You can also find out more about CIC by visiting our website: www.c-i-c.co.uk
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To find out more about Vocational Support Services please contact us on 0151 709 1950 or email us at vocationalsupport@c-i-c.co.uk.
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Contact us
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0151 709 1950 0151 708 7958
How to find us:By Bus: 79/79C/14/14A – From Liverpool City Centre. 26/27 – Sheil Road Circular. For information on bus times please visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk
By Train: Our nearest train station is Edge Hill and is only a very short walk away from our offices. Trains to Edge Hill depart from Liverpool Lime Street station regularly. For information on train times please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk
CIC Central Support Services: Old Market Court, Miners Way, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7SP Tel: 0151 420 3637 Email: information@c-i-c.co.uk ”CIC Group” is a trading name of Community Integrated Care, a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (Company Registration No. 2225727). Community Integrated Care is also a registered charity (Charity Registration No. 519996 in England and SC039671 in Scotland).