Workshops to help people with disabilities grow confidence and find employment are coming to Bishop Auckland.
DurhamEnable is a supported employment service run by Durham County Council, which works in partnership with Bridge Creative, to help residents with disabilities and mental health difficulties get into work.
As of Thursday 10 November, DurhamEnable will be running six weeks of employment workshops at Bridge Creative, The Centre of Social Enterprise, Dorset Place, Bishop Auckland. The free drop-in sessions are every Thursday from 10.30am to 12pm and will be focussed on preparing people for work and volunteering, building confidence, mental wellbeing, and socialising.
So far, the service has helped 370 registered jobseekers and has supported 67 people into employment, with many more progressing in other ways towards volunteering or further education.
Service user Marty said: “I went along to the group to grow my confidence in myself. DurhamEnable and Bridge Creative gave me all the help that I needed to get into employment. I now feel more confident being in group discussions and how I can prepare for an interview. I feel it has been beneficial to talk to the group to feel more confident.”
Cllr Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “It is vitally important that our residents have the opportunity to gain and stay in paid employment no matter their disability or condition.
“Come along to one of the drop-in sessions to see how DurhamEnable could help you or a loved one with a disability, to build confidence and develop the skills needed to apply for jobs or volunteering.”
For more information about referrals and the support DurhamEnable can offer, email durhamenable@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/DurhamEnable
