Over the past year, we have helped 900 people with autism or a learning, physical or sensory disability to find work placements through our Surrey Choices EmployAbility service.
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.
When the Horley branch of Scope took on Joseph Collins as a volunteer over a year ago, he quickly became part of the team.
Scope have supported Joseph in his role as a general assistant, helping him to mature and gain confidence. He now serves customers in the shop, interacting with them and other staff members. His favourite part of the role is working on the tills. Scope have been very supportive to Joseph and helped him to develop new skills.
Joanne Stringer is the Branch Manager, she told us:
“Joseph has been with us at Scope for over a year now, and what’s more he was one of my first volunteers to join me in my new role as manager at the Horley shop.
“I’m sure, thinking back that Jo was as nervous and anxious as me, so the two of us had plenty to learn from each other, but more so was how quiet and retained he was in those early days.
“The weeks passed so fast and I got to experience a real magical difference in Joseph. Looking back, I would of never thought that he would be at the till, greeting and striking up exceptional conversations with customers, so much so that even I was taken aback.
“However, with time and patience and praise, Jo is now top of my team, he has raised all expectations. I’ve formed a fabulous relationship with him, and he has also formed and developed great friends within his team.
“He is loved by everybody, and that’s because he is and has a remarkable personality that puts a smile on your face, you could not possibly have a down day with Joseph in the shop.
“I feel so proud and honoured to receive the award, and very excited for Joseph and his mum.’