main content Helping young people with learning disabilities into work

Supporting the independence of people with learning disabilities so they have the same opportunities and choices as their friends, family and neighbours, is a priority for Bromley Council. A key part of this is helping them access the world of work. It is amongst the top three Council’s in London supporting people with learning disabilities into work through its innovative social businesses developed in partnership with Shaw Trust.

To increase opportunities further and to put particular emphasis on helping young people with learning disabilities as they make the transition into adulthood, the Council has now agreed additional funding of £35K for the Mencap Jobmatch service. This provides job coaching, helps people with learning disability get into work and then provides training and support. The investment has been agreed as part of the Community Fund established by Councillors as a way of supporting community-based projects.

Said Councillor Graham Arthur, Executive Councillor for Adult and Community Services:

“I am delighted that in Bromley we have agreed to this extra funding. It is about investing in the future and helping young people with learning disabilities maximise their potential and make their contribution to our borough. Jobmatch provides an excellent service and I am particularly pleased that as a Council we are looking to increase Council work placements.”
The one off funding is for £35k in addition to £87K of the existing Jobmatch service contract.

ENDS


Notes to editors: 

• Performance will be monitored and evaluated through ACS Commissioning and Partnerships Division. Future service requirements for people with disabilities into employment opportunities will be reviewed when the existing Mencap contract is reconsidered by March 2009. 
• Since the local elections in 2002, the council has been led by a Conservative administration. Full council is made up of 60 elected councillors – 49 Conservative, 7 Liberal Democrat and 4 Labour – representing 22 wards across the borough. 
• For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Day, Communications Officer, on 020 8313 4390 or email amanda.day@bromley.gov.uk 
• For party political comment please contact:
  Conservative - michael.tickner@zip-mail.co.uk  
  Labour – john.getgood@bromley.gov.uk  
  Liberal Democrat – david.mcbride@bromley.gov.uk