We’re Celebrating Multiple Wins at the Surrey Care Awards
On Tuesday 25 June, students, employers, friends, families, Carers, EmployAbility and Surrey Choices enjoyed an afternoon of celebrations at Denbies Wine Estate, for the annual EmployAbility Making a Difference Awards. Amongst 16 of this years winners, was Jay.
Jay is a young man with very happy personality and ‘go getter’ attitude. He does not refuse any job suggestions proposed to him, and rather comes up with all the solutions to any hurdles. Jay is a wheelchair user with 1:1 care support needs and he is ferociously independent. Which encourages anyone to think creatively for him. He was very enthusiastic and motivated to give something back to the community.
Jay previously volunteered at The Hub, Epsom, meeting and greeting visitors, providing them with information and guidance. He was referred to Employability following the closure of The Hub in Surrey when funding ceased.
Jay was supported to seek new role in his local community and Employment Support Specialist (ESS) supported him to explore jobs available in the local library. With the support from the management at the library a digital buddy role was made available to Jay. Jay is confidently and competently fulfilling this role. He recently had a compliment from John Miller, duty manager at the library to say how pleased they are with sessions run by Jay and that the customers are very pleased with his service.
Jay supported, through several sessions patiently, a lady of 82 years to use her mobile phone and send her first text to a friend. She was bouncing with excitement and often came back with list of things to learn. She even took in cakes for him to show her appreciation.
Jay was still not satisfied working one day a week. With the support from his ESS and staff at Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre (MSTC), another volunteering role was arranged for him to work as an eBay assistant. Jay has contributed immensely to increase MSTC funds and still doing a very good job.
Jay is still going to East Surrey college once a week for a course in Art, and the rest of his week he organizes trips and social gatherings for the residents in his supported living accommodation.
Recently Jay has been approached by his ex-college, Treloar College located in Hampshire to give an open talk to students on his experiences and successes since leaving the college.
Jay still thinks he can offer more to the community but would like to concentrate on the things he is doing currently, before starting his search again!
Jay’s Employment Support Specialist told us “it is a total joy and satisfaction as an ESS to work with Jay”.
Congratulations once again, Jay!
The Surrey Choices EmployAbility service support people with disabilities or additional needs to find and sustain work. For further information on Surrey Choices EmployAbility team and how they could support you into work please contact 01483 806806 or email info@surreychoices.com.
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