The Camden Disability Job hub has welcomed two new members to the team. Camden welcomes Sarah, Learning Disability Job Hub Advisor, and Leigh, Learning Disability Work Ready Coach.

Reports show that just 5.1% of people with a learning disability known to their local authority are in paid employment. Many people with a learning disability express the desire to work, but the right support is not in place to help them enter the workforce.

The Disability Job Hub opened in July 2023, offering support and guidance to residents with a disability in Camden. Working in conjunction with partner organisations, the Disability Job Hub can direct people to valuable services, and support with applications, interview skills, cvs and more. 

The Disability Job Hub will be hosting drop-in sessions each Wednesday at the Greenwood centre to support people with employment queries. 

 

 

“Hi, I’m Leigh and I am the new Learning Disability Work Ready Coach. My background is predominantly within disability services, having worked with both children and adults in varied settings. For the last year and a half, I have worked as a Disability Employment Advisor supporting people with learning disabilities and autism into work. This made me realise the impact that meaningful work can have on an individual in terms of increasing confidence, independence and improving their overall quality of life. One thing that I found challenging in this role was not always having the time or resources to be able to work with an individual to get them to a stage where they were “work ready”. This is why I feel that this role is so essential and with it being a brand-new service, I am confident that we will be able to shape it to match the needs of the individuals coming through the service.”

 

“Hi, I'm Sarah the new Learning Disability Job Hub Advisor. I have a background in working with vulnerable adults with substance misuse issues both in the community and prison settings. However, for the past year and a half I have been working at the St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre as their employer engagement lead, this gave me a whole new experience of recruitment and networking, to recruit into local employers.

This opportunity to work and learn from residents with learning disabilities is a passion of mine. I have dyslexia and lived experience of the struggles and barriers I’ve faced in looking for employment and the misunderstandings from managers and staff in my career that negatively affected my job role. To the massive difference in my working day, when working with employers that are educated and have understanding in how to best support me to flourish and to achieve great work, whilst supporting me in the tasks where I need extra time or help. This has made all the difference not just to my workday, but my life and confidence.

I’m so excited to be working at Camden and to be part of such an amazing organisation in a new team, helping our residents get the support they need to be able to go to work and be part of their local community, doing something they choose and want to do.”

We welcome Sarah and Leigh to their new roles at Camden! The Disability Job Hub is a valuable addition to the offer in both the Greenwood centre, and across the borough.