Latest News Press Release TNG helps local man overcome disability on Pathway to success
| TNG helps local man overcome disability on Pathway to success |
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Cerebral palsy sufferer celebrating job success with TNG Pathways to Work programme.
Daniel was on Incapacity Benefit but wanted more independence and to provide for himself. He wanted to find work, and joined the Pathways to Work scheme delivered by TNG, one of the UK’s leading welfare to work providers, in June 2009 and was referred to Vale Royal Disability Service (VRDS) for specialist support.
The Government’s Pathways to Work programme across Cheshire and Warrington offers a package of tailored support to people with health conditions and disabilities to help them realise their workplace potential.
Daniel had held a number of voluntary posts, including at the College Independence Shop, which encourages people with disabilities to become more independent, and the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. He enjoyed doing something to help others, and wanted to continue this in his career.
At VRDS, Daniel was set an action plan focusing strongly on his strengths, and making the most of the skills he learned during his volunteer experiences. While his physical disability meant that there were some jobs Daniel was unable to do, he worked with his adviser, Vicki Glaze, to find suitable roles with suitable employers. The support from his adviser was invaluable in finding a vacancy at the Manor Care Home as an assistant activities coordinator, and he was encouraged to apply. He knew immediately that the role would be perfect. He received constant support throughout the application process, and this showed him just what he was capable of. Daniel’s confidence blossomed and at his interview he was able to effectively demonstrate the skills he could bring to the role, and communicate his enthusiasm and commitment.
Daniel was offered the job, and is enjoying embarking on his new career. He said, “Having a new career is the start of an independent life for me. Having a structured plan helped me to stay focused on my goal of finding a job, and the application support I received helped build my confidence. Thanks to TNG and VRDS I can look forward to the future with excitement.”
Daniel’s support continued into his new job, with VRDS making arrangements for Access to Work, a Government programme that supplies equipment to enable disabled people to access their work environment.
Averil Goodier, Contract Manager for Pathways to Work at TNG said, “Daniel had a lot to offer a potential employer, but he needed someone to help him believe in himself. He has done a lot of voluntary work, which was all useful experience and we helped him to build on that to focus on jobs he would enjoy that also offered him the opportunity to help others. He has grown into a confident young man, and I wish him lots of luck in his new job.” |
Daniel Burgess, 22, from Cheshire, suffers from cerebral palsy, a physical condition affecting movement, but refused to let it hold him back. He is now celebrating starting out on a new career as an activities coordinator at a local care home.