New work opportunity for people with special needs
ANEW era of possibility is on the horizon for those with special educational and additional needs in the county.
A company is offering individuals with special needs an opportunity to work and earn a living wage where they feel comfortable, and to have the support they need while on site.
The idea of G-force has been two years in the making.
It is a landscaping company that works on commercial and private gardens in Gloucestershire.
Director of G-force, Matt Wilkins, 36, from Gloucester, said: “We are working with those with special needs at this landscaping company.
“This project is going to help so many of those with special needs who do not have the opportunity to go out to work after they finish college at 18 years old.
“There really is very little out there, and I realised that when my nephew, who is autistic, had finished college. He has been with me since this project was in its infancy.
“Now we want to be able to look to provide opportunities to other young adults that want to work, even though they will need extra support.
“We will be training people with different skill sets.”
There will be initially three months’ training as an internship, and it is accessible to those aged between 18 and 24 years old.
Employment means the individuals can look to build a CV and will mean that the person with additional needs could apply for secure paid work in the future with other employers.
Matt said: “For example, my nephew is physically active. He is going to be able to show he can turn up to work, hold down a job and detail what tasks he can carry out.
“It is also good for the family of the person who is coming to work with us.
“I was shocked at how little provision there is for these guys, and it really makes an impact on their lives.
“My nephew has changed so much from working. He is really outgoing, likes being part of the team and has workmates.
“His language has improved, and Joshua is motivated and keen. The man has just developed at a whole different rate.”
A key part of the initiative is to provide equal opportunities and give the individuals the time they need to develop, in a work environment.
Liz Stallard’s son works with Matt. She said: “My son Matt is 21 years old. He is autistic and has learning disabilities and also dyspraxia, and he suffers with anxiety,
“Matt is part of a single parent family. Over the years, we have struggled with severe behavioural issues and anxiety,
“Since leaving college, there has been absolutely no support for Matt or us as a family.
“G-force has really lifted Matt’s spirits and given him real purpose and selfworth.
“If Matt didn’t have G-force, he would just be stuck at home with no prospects at all.
“The difference the company has made to us as a family is unbelievable. I feel supported with Matt, and having a break helps me deal with the next day.”
An open event has been held for people to be able to see the team in action.
Parents and carers had the opportunity to talk with Matt and other team members about G-force opportunities on Saturday.
Initially, the project was set to take off in January, and the team are determined to get the initiative up and running in a Covid-secure way.
G-force founder, Nick Podmore, 52 from Cheltenham, said: “It seems that if the disability is not severe enough it will not warrant attention from the social services.
“It is those in the middle who are often forgotten.
“We want to offer the opportunity to access mainstream employment.
“In usual working environments you have to work to speed or target. Working with G-force builds skills. The staff member has space and it is a less stressful environment. The supervisor of the special needs staff member is there to help and keep an eye on the workers.
“It will be a massive benefit to the future of these young people.”
I was shocked at how little provision there is for these guys, and it really makes an impact on their lives
Matt Wilkins