Job support service helps 300 people in lockdown
A WOKINGHAM employment service, run by social care provider Optalis, has helped 300 people with job support during lockdown.
The Supported Employment Service (SES) provides specialist coaching, training and support to those who need additional help to find and stay in their job.
And it currently ranks second in the country for the number of adults with learning disabilities supported in gaining paid work.
The service has helped people looking for work by providing remote training, supporting with interview practice and assisting with applications.
During lockdown, Optalis helped 273 clients with job searching, supported 23 students to continue their coursework through virtual one to one sessions and has helped 90 clients find a paid job, enrol on an education course, or receive employment retention support.
Donna Morgans, head of supported employment services at Optalis, said: "We believe that Supported Employment is a service that can really make a difference and we can really see the impact that we’ve had on individuals, particularly during lockdown.
“Over the last four months, we have been adapting and changing to ensure that we can continue to support all of our customers as we know how important finding and maintaining work is for the mental health of those we provide a service to.”
The service has also continued providing specialist job coaching for key workers, ensuring they are still able to work in line with the guidelines proposed by the government.
Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “I am pleased to see the success of the
Supported Employment
Service.
“This service makes a real difference to the lives of local people, especially at these difficult and unprecedented times.
“We all knowthe social and mental health benefits of work and I am fully supportive of this service with its efforts to maintain people in work.”
SES is continuing to provide specialist support, and has welcomed 25 new referrals during the pandemic.
For more information call: 0118 977 8600 or visit: www.optalis.org/ses