Having a job has turned my son’s life around
In the latest of a series of blogs on the NHS Learning Disability Employment Programme, dad Trevor Clower reflects on the positive impact it’s had on the life of his son, Scott:
At 37-years-old, our son had a fairly standard routine.
Scott has a learning disability and autism and five days-a week he attends a day centre. On Wednesdays he enjoys an evening social, while once a month spends time with his befriender.
But as Scott’s parents, we could see he had the potential and desire to gain employment and would benefit from the confidence, independence and skills development that a job that was the right fit would give him.
Scott always expressed a particular interest in doing a manual job, so he could use his hands and skills in a practical way and earn his own money. With the support of Nottingham City Council and their pathway to work programme, we identified a suitable job our son in one of the council parks garage depots. This was a job that appealed to Scott’s interests and desire to enter a practical role.
As parents, although we were nervous, we felt reassured that Scott would be supported during his employment time. The hours Scott spent at work were gradually expanded as his confidence and skills developed.
As soon as Scott started, he told us he enjoyed the job immensely. In contrast to his previous routine, one of the best things about the job has been the chance for him to get to talk to lots of different people during his working day. Scott liked telling us about his working day, and was always particularly keen to know what sandwiches his Mum had packed for him to take to work.
Working in the garage has made a huge difference to his enthusiasm – he has taken pride in telling us how he helped to empty oil out of vehicle engines, as well as going out on test drives after the repair. Scott got on well with his colleagues in the garage as well as the person from the Council assigned to advocate for him.
We have certainly seen how our son has grown into a worldlier person while in work and the positive impact it has had on him.
- Find out more information on the NHS Learning Disability Employment Programme
- Follow Trevor Clower on Twitter: @trevorclower
Trevor Clower
Trevor Clower is an unpaid carer living in Nottingham. He is very active organising and running 16 Carers Road Shows each year offering free support for all Carers. Trevor is an active campaigner for both carers and people with learning disabilities.
4 comments
Hi Trevor
It was wonderful to hear that your son has been given the opportunity to work with support from his advocate and members of staff in the garage. Hopefully in the future more people with a learning disability will be given an opportunity to work and make them feel valued.
Great experience. We could see how a job changes things in the recent Employable Me programmes on BBC2. The work ethic is just one thing, the social and esteem boosts from work come slowly and later.
Shame the DWP don’t read about this and maybe release some of the pressures onn other jobseekers affected by conditions that can affect their learning focus.
Thanks for sharing. Glad Scott is enjoying work and hope that soon work will be an option for all who want to work.
Great post Trevor!