Skip to main content

Supporting into Work Programme

Building confidence and skills for future employment and independence

The Support Into Work Programme (SITW) aims to help people with learning disabilities to gain the skills they need to become independent.

By placing learners in an employment environment, the projects aim to build their confidence and skills, preparing them for the world of work.

TAG Bikes is a workshop based in Huntingdon Community Centre, It is run by an enthusiastic team of people who carry out servicing and repairs on donated bikes, to re-sell them as brand new.

The Community Garden Project supports adults with learning disabilities to learn horticultural skills and experience which will help to secure employment.

The team also sells plants and hanging baskets.

Ely Community Cafe helps people with a learning disability learn work skills, in a Cafe, for the local community.

The cafe is located at Ely Community Centre at High Barns.

Contact: Sami.Yusuf@Cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Located in March Community Centre, Hot Pots Coffee Shop is run by a group of individuals with learning disabilities. They are supported by Employment Skills Workers. 

The project aims to build their confidence, preparing them for the world of work and voluntary placements within the local community. This in turn increases their independence and involvement in the community.

The project works on a six month rolling schedule, with voluntary placements available for six learners at a time. Placements can be extended until the learner is ready to transition to community based work placements.

The project also offers learners a chance to gain food hygiene qualifications, provided through the Adult Learning and Skills team. Volunteers are also rewarded with Time Credits.

Referrals to the project can be made by Social Care Services, or people can self-refer.

You can find out more on the Hot Pots Coffee Shop Facebook page.

Clean Team is based at Tennyson Lodge in March and Victoria Lodge in Wisbech. This is an opportunity for individuals with learning difficulties to be part of a cleaning team and earn while they learn.

It is a safe and supportive environment where they can gain confidence and skills, as well as relevant qualifications.

The team is paid for one full hour of work each session at the standard minimum wage - this will not affect benefits.

Contact: Kayleigh.Dring@Cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Other opportunities

We support people to make a positive contribution to the local community by challenging traditional barriers to work opportunities. 

We aim to develop strong links in the community by developing partnerships with local employers and organisations.

We help people to get voluntary/paid work placements. Current placements include March library and receptionist work in Cambridgeshire County Council settings. This helps develop confidence, skills and relevant qualifications to move onto further employment.  

We also help with CV writing, to aid the job search. Individuals earn time credits for any voluntary work.