European Social Fund in England

Dreams become reality thanks to the European Social Fund

With the help of the European Social Fund and Jobcentre Plus people of Herefordshire can now access and gain help, advice and employment opportunities to make dreams and desires really become a reality

Funded through the European Social Fund and Jobcentre Plus, Mencap Herefordshire Pathway provides a joint partnership approach aimed at providing people within the local community opportunities to explore and benefit from an individual routeway to work. This includes the offer of help, advice and communication regarding training and qualification opportunities to more practical involvement including work experience and placements.

One beneficiary to have benefited from the project is Sharon Taylor. Sharon was referred to Mencap's Herefordshire Pathway team by her Disability Employment Adviser late in 2003, with the dream and desire to obtain paid employment in childcare. She had already gained some practical experience volunteering at a local nursery, but in order to progress needed a NVQ qualification in childcare and also had to be in an appropriate environment in order to undertake practical assignments and be assessed in her workplace. So with the help of the project co-ordinator, Marion Cumella, they found a training organisation, Arnott Leishman, offering a suitable course and local Hunderton Neighbourhood Nursery were prepared to offer Sharon work experience. The nursery manager ensured that Sharon was given plenty of opportunities to broaden her experience and encouragement for her studies. Mencap kept in regular contact, visiting Sharon at the nursery and liaising with Arnott Leishman.

In November 2004 Sharon successful completed her studies and was awarded a City and Guilds NVQ Early Years Care and Education Level 2. At the beginning of January 2005, Sharon was offered paid employment at the nursery as a lunchtime assistant.

Marion Cumella went with Sharon to the Arnott Leishman awards evening in January when she received her City and Guilds certificate. "I was very proud to represent Mencap and see Sharon accept her certificate. She has shown what can be achieved by someone with a learning disability through determination and having the right support. Many people have been involved in helping Sharon reach her goals, but it was through her own efforts that she made the most of the opportunities given to her and achieved success."

For more information, please contact

Lynsey Cooke

Publicity Officer

Email : lcooke.gowm@go-regions.gov.uk

Direct Tel: 0121 352 5248

Direct Fax: 0121 352 5188

Project Contact:

George Verdegem