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19 Jan 99

Poole Social Services - "Breaking The Chain"

The Borough of Poole's Adult Social Services Commissioning Unit has been successful in securing £95,000 of European Social Funding towards a brand new £212,000 project called "Break The Chain" which is aimed at preparing people in Poole with disabilities for employment.

The project is for people aged over 25 with learning difficulties, physical disability or mental illness to help gain independence beyond existing support systems, such as social services, day centres and social security benefits.

Bob Allam, Community Employment Manager said: "Break the Chain provides practical support from job coaches who help people to prepare for employment. A number of opportunities for training will be available in catering, horticulture, IT, woodworking, general business administration, internet skills and website design, which we hope will be popular with participants".

Agencies involved in the partnership project include the Borough of Poole, Dorset HealthCare NHS Trust, the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, the Bournemouth & Poole College and a charitable organisation; Carers And Disabled Enabling Technologies (CADET) .

Cllr Mrs Jane James, Chairman of the Borough of Poole's Social Services Committee said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for people with disabilities to gain the skills and confidence to enter the work place. It is in these areas people have told us they need help and I am delighted that a scheme developed in Poole will be supporting them to achieve their goals".

Bob Allam, Community Employment Manager, tel 01202 261140