Press Release

Unique autism programme piloted in derby

Derby’s Working Links team are piloting a unique training programme to help those with autism and Asperger syndrome find work.

The organisation joined forces with the National Autistic Society in a bid to tackle the barriers that face people across the region who have the little understood disability, autism.
A massive 500,000 people are said to live with the disorder and yet only 6% of them are in full-time paid work.
“Finding a job would go some way to improving the lives of people with autism,” explained Jo Collins, who leads the Working Links team at Derby. “Only a small number of people with an autistic spectrum disorder are in employment yet part of their nature is that they are very hardworking and completely focussed on their work."
All consultants at the Derby office have undergone training from the National Autistic Society so that they are able to deliver the unique programme to those with autism. It has given them an insight and a better understanding of the needs of clients with autism and Asperger. They will now be able to help people tackle the barriers into employment and find work. 

Working Links is dedicated to helping people who face barriers that prevent them from working. Since it was launched in the year 2000, the organisation has helped almost 80,000 people into work throughout England, Scotland and Wales. It does this by treating each jobseeker as an individual and tailors support packages for each person. Consultants provide advice and help build jobseekers’ confidence and provide practical assistance with CVs, application forms and developing interview techniques.

If the pilot scheme proves successful in Derby it will be extended across Working Links’ operation nationwide.

• For further information about Working Links call freephone 0800 917 9262 or visit www.workinglinks.co.uk.

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