Local hospital hosts event to support adults with learning disabilities and autism into the workplace
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) jointly hosted a ground-breaking Innovation Day with ECL (Essex Cares Limited) to support individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism on Wednesday 20 November.
The event was for those who have expressed an interest in applying for roles at PAHT to realise their ambitions of gaining meaningful employment.
It was held in the Learning and Education Centre at PAHT and featured a series of workshops, role play sessions, videos and skills activities aimed at equipping participants with the essential skills they may need to apply for roles; and prepare them for interviews in a nurturing and inclusive setting.
Karen Kingsmill, outreach and retention resourcing partner at PAHT said: “As an employer, we recognise the unique strengths and capabilities of all our people and appreciate the invaluable contributions that diverse perspectives can offer to our workforce.
“We are committed to championing diversity and fostering inclusivity by working collaboratively with ECL, and other strategic organisations, to provide opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism to achieve their ambition to gain employment and excel in the workplace.
“The day was a great success and we look forward to running similar initiatives in the future.”
Bobby Wise, inclusive employment job broker at ECL said: “This event gave potential candidates the opportunity to learn more about the type of environment they might work in and understand more about working in a hospital setting, and the varied roles that might be of interest to them.
“The Innovation Day further demonstrates PAHT’s commitment to collaborating with the inclusive employment team at ECL, and supporting candidates with a learning disability and/or autism on their journey into paid employment.”
Anyone interested in attending future events can express an interest by contacting ECL by emailing inclusive.employment@essexcares.org