Disabled people looking for work

• We match your experience, skills and interests to jobs in your local area
• We set up work trials and placements to gain on the job skills as we are in partnership with numerous employers
• We can provide support to complete application forms and invaluable interview techniques
• If you are already employed, we can help you keep your job, if you become disabled, by advising your employer on reasonable adjustments.

We look at a person’s ability not disability

Supported Employment will provide crucial information and professional advice throughout the process of finding work.

We will offer support from the day you are ready to look for work to the day you feel our services can be withdrawn.

Cheshire East Supported Employment work alongside the DWP supporting people with disabilities offering Benefit Advice and making sure our customers are financially better off after gaining paid work. 

Support for people with more complex needs

The team are now working on a project that is focusing on people with more complex needs. This is called our Proof of Concept project. The team offer a quality employment service to referrals who:

• have a current social worker and care plan
• have expressed a wish to be in a work environment. This could be paid, voluntary, just a few hours or full time
• have a funded social care package (for example, a personal budget direct payment)
• are interested in replacing some or all of their current funded activities with work/employment.

The priority will be to work intensively with any disabled person who is interested in work (paid or voluntary) as an alternative to more traditional care destinations.

If you are interested then email the supported employment team. 

Supported internships

Supported internships are a structured study programme based primarily at an employer. They enable young people aged 16-24 with a statement of SEN, or an Education, Health and Care plan to achieve sustainable paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace. Supported internships are unpaid, and last for a minimum of six months.

Wherever possible, they support the young person to move into paid employment at the end of the programme. Alongside their time at the employer, young people complete a personalised study programme which includes the chance to study for relevant substantial qualifications, if appropriate, and English and maths.

The team are in the process of recruiting a new post to coordinate supported internships in the borough. For more details email the supported employment team.

Contact us

Page last reviewed: 28 September 2021