Individual Spotlight: Marc
In 2017 our EmployAbility Service helped 900 people with autism or a learning, physical or sensory disability to find work placements in Surrey and across our county borders.
The success of the service was celebrated recently at our Making a Difference awards where we highlighted what a difference being within a work environment can make to our customers lives. However, it’s not just our customers who have seen the advantages – some of the biggest employers in the country have benefitted from adding hard working, enthusiastic and skilled individuals to their teams.
Michael works as a kitchen porter at Birtley House in Guildford and when asked what his favourite aspect of his role is, he could not choose as he enjoys everything! Michael now works independently on the morning shifts with minimal direction or assistance. He is always friendly and personable whilst working around the home.
Birtley house is a 48 bedded nursing home which is family run, they have a strong staff team who believe in going the extra mile and specialise in Palliative care amongst other types of care.
It is so important for the residents to be part of the wider community and Simon has worked hard to achieve many links to different organisations such as the HALOW group who regularly come to Birtley and work in the market garden. The residents love to see young people and the team at Birtley House continue to grow these relationships and develop situations where interests can be shared. Other organisations include Oakleaf Enterprise and Wild Learning who frequent Birtley and work alongside the Garden team.
Birtley House are very progressive as a nursing home and are always looking forward, so as to continually improve the quality of life for the residents and their families ensuring that every aspect of a person wellbeing is considered when personalising their care.
They want and encourage a diverse work force employing from ever sector of society. The oldest person they have had working in the nursing team was 86 and the youngest person employed is 17. They also have many different nationalities working together, enriching the experience of care and a full life for all involved at Birtley.
Karen Williams, who is the Manager at Birtley House, said: “Michael has fitted in very well and had fantastic support from Surrey Choices but he has achieved this on his own. He is a productive and well liked member of the team and did so well that probation was ended early as I had no doubt about his ability to perform his role and in the future progress within the company.”
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