Connecting employers and employees with Down’s syndrome

WorkFit is an exciting project from the Down’s Syndrome Association which not only supports adults with Down’s syndrome into work-related activities (paid jobs, volunteering roles, work experience and traineeships) but also supports employers to facilitate this.

The Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group and the Down’s Syndrome Association are working together to provide employment opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome in Swindon and the surrounding area.

WorkFit is a tailored service dedicated to training employers about the Down’s syndrome learning profile. Finding the right employment opportunities, for the right people. We recognise paid work is not right for everyone. A job might be work experience, voluntary work, apprenticeships or paid work.

What is WorkFit?

In 2008 the national Down’s Syndrome Association recognised that a small percentage of their members with Down’s syndrome were in paid work. As a result, the WorkFit program was specifically designed for young people and adults with Down’s syndrome to access meaningful work.

Watch videos about how Steph and Lorni have been successful with WorkFit

What is the aim of WorkFit?

The Swindon Down Syndrome group recognise the importance of supporting local people with Down Syndrome to gain work experience and progress into employment.  For this reason, we have funded  our own WorkFit Liaison Officer.

WorkFit is about being there every step of the way of someone’s employment journey. Our WorkFit Liaison Officer makes regular visits to our young people in their work place, which ensures success in the long-term for both the employer and individual.

They work closely with the Down Syndrome Association who provides a unique training programme to all employers who register with WorkFit.

WorkFit in Swindon

We have a local WorkFit Liaison Officer who works directly people with Down’s syndrome and employers. For any questions or to get involved please email info@swindondownsgroup.org.uk

Steph starts work at the Village Hotel  Steph was looking to work in a kitchen environment, began working at the Village Hotel in July. Steph began with a six week work trial and on successful completion was taken on as a paid employee in  September. She works in the kitchen in the morning and supports the bar area and Starbucks in the afternoon.

Lorni takes on more responsibility Lorni was already working at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock, however was keen to take on more responsibility. She had been working in the café preparing drinks and clearing tables. Once registered with WorkFIt we were able to support Lorni and Whitehall to create more responsibility and increase her working week from two days a week to three.

Our WorkFit Steering Group Our first steering group meeting was held in September. The group is made up of Workfit candidates, parents, carers and trustees. Our aim is to listen to feedback and help shape and improve the Workfit programme.

Who are we working with?

We are looking to work with businesses based in Swindon and the surrounding area to develop opportunities for our young people with Down’s syndrome. See who we are working with at the moment…