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Enterprise project proves vital to lab assistant Ross
Disability scheme offers real benefits
A Monklands Hospital worker spoke about his positive experience of supported enterprise during a North Lanarkshire event to mark the international day of people with disability.
Ross Johnstone told the 80 attendees about the impact of taking part in the service, which helps people with disabilities into employment and assisted him in gaining his lab assistant role.
He said: “Having an income meant I could get my own house and also allowed me to save up for my fiancee’s engagement ring.
“Being in work has given me more independence, and the support I’ve had gives me confidence to know I can do my job.”
Ross was among the winners at the inaugural national learning disability awards in June, being honoured in the employee recognition category.
The celebration on international day of people with disability brought together users of North Lanarkshire’s supported enterprise service and employers, politicians, referrers and carers.
Service manager Donella Duff said: “Our supported enterprise service focusses on a person’s ability, and through our service we provide training, mentoring, job opportunities and development.
“It was a pleasure to be part of this celebration and an inspiration to hear of the experiences and life changes of supported employees.”
● Pictured clockwise from back left are carer Barbara Anderson, service user Kevin Bell, employers Kate Walker and Alistair Shanks, and service users Jodie Richardson, Ross Johnston, Tommy Holmes, Kirsty Menzies, Declan Brazil and Stuart Watson.