Supported Employment for Solihull residents

Peter has autism and before working with Ideal for All, he had never been successful in finding a paid job. Building on his job aspirations, Ideal for All suggested courses to build up Peter’s confidence and social skills. Peter went on an eight-week admin course with the Prince’s Trust and NHS. The course also covered employability and expectations in the workplace. Peter attended the course, was never late or missed a day, and passed with flying colours. His administration skills were highlighted as a major skill. 

Peter and Ideal for All agreed that he was now ready to apply for administration jobs. They also agreed reasonable adjustments Peter would need in place. These included breaking tasks down into manageable chunks and clear instructions. 

After a practice interview with Ideal for All, Peter felt ready for an interview with a home care agency who were looking for a part-time admin assistant. Peter was successful and was offered a position one day a week on Fridays. 

Peter had a work trial for three weeks to ensure he and the employer were happy it was the right role for both parties. Peter was allocated a work buddy, who proved to be the ideal person to support Peter. His key role was ensuring the 600+ carers who work for the agency had up-to-date documents, such as visas, driving licenses etc. 

This involved a lot of concentration and effort on Peter’s part. On the last Friday of his work trial, Ideal for All saw the employer for final feedback. They were so impressed with Peter’s work, attitude and timekeeping, they had decided to pay him for the three days of his work trial and offered him another day to work. Peter had always wanted two days a week of paid employment. 

It took 19 months, weekly meetings and a lot of patience and understanding to achieve Peter’s wish to get paid employment. He has become a valuable member of the admin team.  

Naomi started working with Ideal for All and the adult disability team to find work. She had no previous work experience and her confidence in finding work was low. 

She has worked incredibly hard with Ideal for All to secure employment. She worked with them to gain new experiences, gain confidence, and build on her knowledge and skills around employment, such as interview skills, CV writing and applying for jobs.

Ideal for All helped Naomi prepare for the interview and attended the interview with her. She was successful in gaining employment in a local hotel as a housekeeping assistant. Naomi has also completed her functional skills course and volunteered at the Commonwealth Games 2022 with the help of Ideal for All and the adult disability team. 

Nicholas works at Co-op Food eight hours a week. He is also studying ICT at college. The job has helped Nicholas to feel more confident and he relies on his family less. He also likes earning money. 

Read Nicholas’s story in easy read format.

David works in a café one day a week, helps with events at weekends and volunteers for a charity which collects donated clothes. The jobs make David and his family happy.  

Read David’s story in easy read format.