European Social Fund in England

Wayne Petherick, a real life story

Wayne Petherick lives in a new one bed roomed flat, works part time, has a fiancée and lots of friends.

Nothing unusual you may think, except that when Wayne was born, his Mother was told that he would always be dependent on her, would never live alone and would never work.

Wayne now 33 years old, has proved the predictions wrong!

Wayne attended Ellen Tinkham School until he was 16; he then went to Exeter College where he did a Skills for Living Course. At 18 Wayne joined the Nichols Centre. He decided he wanted to find out about the world of work and what it had to offer. He started by working in the Centre's kitchen, preparing meals.

In 2001, Employment Services were successful in obtaining European Social Funding and the Axcess Project began. The project offers training and support for people with learning disabilities who wish to work in the local community. Wayne worked at 'Marks & Spencer 'and then at the RSPCA, before deciding that he preferred catering. He now works at 'Kentucky Fried Chicken' 2 days a week earns the national minimum wage and has been there for 4 years. He still comes to Axcess a couple of days a week to continue his training in the Window Box Café & Shop. He does Basic Food Hygiene and Customer Care Courses which help with his job at 'KFC'.

A couple of years ago Wayne told us he would like to live in his own place. Lots of people discussed this with Wayne and when 'Nichols Way' advertised if anyone was interested in independent living, Wayne applied. After several meetings he got his first choice in the block of flats. Throughout this transition period Wayne has been supported by his family, Axcess Employment Service, the Community team and staff at Dove. Good partnership working has ensured that Wayne receives the necessary help that enables him to live independently.

Wayne has just informed me that he would like a full time paid job and to get married, we are sure that he will achieve his ambitions and prove the predictions wrong yet again!