Introducing EmployAbility
Do you know someone with a disability who lives in Sheerwater/Maybury
and who is looking for work?
EmployAbility are looking for eight people to take part in WorkFIT
Sheerwater. – A project to improve the fitness levels, self
confidence and motivation of disabled job seekers in these communities
in Woking.
WorkFit is a gentle approach for disabled job seekers who may have
done little or no exercise for years. Everyone will be given a
tailored programme combining sports they can enjoy for example gym
sessions, swimming, boccia, badminton – aiming to find activities they
will want to continue beyond the end of the project. The difference
is they will be supported by a professional job coach, who is also a
qualified sports coach who will use exercise to increase confidence,
build stamina and motivate them to be positive in their search for
work. As too many disabled people rely on taxi or cars, they will
also be encouraged to use their new found fitness to travel to work by
walking, cycling or using public transport.
EmployAbility have been working with disabled job seekers for over 15
years and have identified fitness and lack of social activity as a
real barrier to employment for many people. We see people who spend
hours playing computer games or watching tv/dvds in their rooms, or
who have used food as comfort and have become overweight and unfit.
It can be difficult to access public gym facilities due to social
anxiety, the nature of their disability or just because they were not
good in sports lessons at school. This project will work with
individuals to overcome their fears and our disability specialist
employment support officers, will support them during their exercise
sessions until they feel confident to continue. Small groups will
also allow some natural support within the team and build peer
relationships For disabled people there are added barriers of how
to access exercise, this can be a combination of the need for support,
understanding how to use the equipment and the potential
embarrassment of not being “sporty enough”. At the end of each
session, the trainer will have an informal session to talk about their
job searching plans for the week and also fitness goals. Help is
available to fill in on-line application forms, interviews skills and
cv development. Participants will be encouraged to support each other
and those who are independent might do sport together between formal
sessions. Successes both in sport and work will be celebrated. This
is a 12 week session for 2 hours per week and there is no charge for
the participants (all costs will be covered including fees for
sports). It is particularly suitable for people with learning
disabilities, autism, physical or sensory disabilities, but also for
those with long term health issues looking to return to work.
For further information or to apply for the next course starting in
October 2014 please contact Julie.Jones@surreychoices.com
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