WORKFIT
deeper understanding about aspects of Down’s syndrome and its effect on the individual”. Vitally the programme ensures there is continued support for both the employer and employee throughout the working relationship and therefore it’s not surprising to hear that the WorkFit programme has to date had a staggering 100% success rate.
Kate ryder is enthusiastic about the programme saying, “Having employed Misha as one of the Café Crew has been very rewarding for all of the Alf’s team. Misha has fitted in really well and we hope she is enjoying the experience of a real work environment and contact with the café customers.” Award winning restaurateur and chef Mitch tonks of the seahorse and rockfish is another keen supporter of the WorkFit programme and he has employed a young man, sam who has Down’s syndrome at his rockfish restaurant in Bristol. Mitch explained “As chefs we
don’t understand disability as well as perhaps we should and that’s probably the same for most people. the WorkFit programme was a real bridge to all of that for us; really making it very easy, so that we could actually make it happen without any duress on our business and at the same time helping us with a bit more understanding…it’s been fantastic.” DsA is keen to get more employers signed up to the programme and both the ryders and Mitch tonks are keen to emphasise how simple the process is and how the programme can work well both for any employer, existing staff and the new employee. the type of work can vary and people with Down’s syndrome are working in many different workplaces ranging from retail to hairdressing and from
administrative to garage work. “the whole recruitment process has been simple, and I have to say it’s not a challenge,” says Mitch. “Getting somebody in like sam has been great, easy, I’d do it again and we’re really looking forward to having sam as part of the team”.
“Getting somebody in like
Sam has been great, easy, I’d do it again and we’re really looking forward to having Sam as part of the team”.
In essence WorkFit aims to match the right people with the right job giving the worker the simple but all- important chance to gain skills, earn money and grow in independence. every tuesday when I arrive at Alf’s for my obligatory morning caffeine hit Misha is there, tray in hand, deftly clearing tables and always with a smile on her face. When I ask her what she likes about her job she’s quick to highlight ‘making brownies and flapjacks’ as her favourite task.
“you can become a great chef or a
great restaurant manager if you have the aspiration, it’s all about the attitude and that’s what we recognised in sam” Mitch said, “it’s helped us to become better people in our business; to help others who are perhaps in a different place in the world to us…” It’s clear that community is a key factor and it’s great to see another new and inspiring initiative being wholeheartedly supported here in Dartmouth. this type of initiative has also been put into practice at radio Dart run by stephen Kearney and Julia Olsen. this popular Café Lounge on Higher street was in fact the brainchild of Julia’s son Dominic, who also has Down’s syndrome. Dominic is a keen music man and works in the café on a regular basis. such positive attitude from 3 local businesses is encouraging, heartening and inspiring and makes you realise why Dartmouth is such a great place
to live. To find out more about the programme or to become a WorkFit employer, sign up at www.
dsworkfit.org.uk or contact your local WorkFit Employment Officer on: 0333 1212 300, dsworkfit@
downs-syndrome.org.uk
51 Images Copyright © 2014 Down’s Syndrome Association, All rights reserved.
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