Finding work for adults with a learning or mental health related disability

Supported Employment is a programme of specialised support to help people with disabilities find and sustain paid employment. We work with people on an individual basis, where everyone's journey into work is different.

In this section:

Finding work for adults with a learning or mental health related disability

Learning Disability Week raises awareness and celebrates the contributions of people with learning disabilities. 

On Wednesday 18 June (11am - 4pm) we have a stall at The Core in Solihull town centre with information about support for people with learning disabilities and difficulties. We're also celebrating the achievements of people who are part of our Learning Disability Partnership Board and the Learning Disability Council run by Solihull Action through Advocacy (SATA).

Supported Employment is a programme of specialised support to help people with disabilities find and sustain paid employment. We work with people on an individual basis, where everyone's journey into work is different.

We support people with health and social care needs to:

  • get into paid work
  • stay in work
  • get advice on opportunities to develop and improve in their role

To qualify for our Supported Employment service, you must:

  • be an adult with health and/or social care needs
  • have a care and support plan with Solihull Council

We may be able to support even if you do not have a care and support plan but have had a social care assessment. Please contact our Supported Employment co-ordinator.

Easy read guide

Our easy read guide to supported employment tells you what it is and how it can help you find work.

Looking for work

  • identifying your ambitions, learning needs and individual skills
  • supporting you to take the next step, no matter how close or far you are from being ready for work
  • connecting you with a range of understanding and supportive local employers offering roles including admin, hospitality, retail, and animal care
  • preparing your CV, completing job applications, and preparing for interviews, attending interviews with you, adapting job roles

We offer appointments in a place where you feel most comfortable.

Before you start work

  • explaining the impact on your benefits
  • support for everyday skills such as travel training, setting a routine, confidence building
  • applying for Access to Work grants

While you are working

    • in-work support to help you stay employed
    • work related training

    For employers

    • Raising awareness about disabilities and health and social care needs
    • Advising on support available
    • Advising on “job carving”
    • Promoting the benefits of employing people with health and social care needs
    • Promoting Disability Confident status for employer

    Next steps

    Contact our Supported Employment co-ordinator. They will provide support tailored to your situation. They will work with you to explore career options and find suitable employment which is right for you.

    More information about supported employment

    Select one of the links at the top of the page to find out about our partners, read case studies about people we have supported into a job and the answers to questions people often ask about supported employment.

    You can also read about the Council’s local supported employment offer. This is a scheme for Solihull residents with learning disabilities and, or autism, to access support that will lead to paid employment.