Programme helping people with disabilities and health conditions find work in Cheshire East extended

A successful employment programme that has supported more than 200 people with disabilities and health conditions in Cheshire East has been extended for a year.

Inspiring Futures, delivered by not-for-profit organisation Fedcap on behalf of Cheshire East Council, offers personalised support for people who are economically inactive and would like support to get back into the workplace.  

With 120 people now in work and progressing their careers, Cheshire East Council has extended Inspiring Futures for another year, allowing Fedcap to continue to make a positive impact in the area. By embedding itself in communities across Cheshire East and recruiting locally, Fedcap has delivered 37% social value return on investment into communities in Cheshire East.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council’s committee chair for adults and health, said:

“The impact of this programme has been phenomenal not only to the individuals who participated, but to the local voluntary sector and the business community, by highlighting the benefits of employing people with additional needs / disabilities and all the positives that this can bring. 

“Offering organisations support around reasonable adjustments and wellbeing for employees has enabled barriers to be broken down, and lives to be changed for the better.”

Brian Bell, president of Fedcap Employment, said:

“I’m proud we’ve supported more than 200 local people with disabilities or long-term health conditions in pursuit of their goals, with more than half achieving paid employment or meaningful volunteering, exceeding all programme targets.

“At Fedcap, we understand the difficulties people face when looking for work and staying in a job. As supported employment specialists, we get to know people to better understand their aspirations. This helps us match people to local employers, and by working hand in hand we can meet the needs of both, ensuring people progress into roles and, crucially, stay in work.”

The programme focuses on individuals’ abilities, promoting their skills to local employers. Once people secure roles - whether paid or voluntary, depending on their circumstances, Fedcap continues to provide support, working with employers to meet individual needs and help participants thrive in the workplace.

Alexis’ story:

Alexis joined the Inspiring Futures programme after being out of work for five years due to challenges with her mental health. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but with determination and the right support, Alexis is now more confident than ever.

Recognising that Alexis would benefit from specialist support with her mental health, Fedcap made a referral to NHS Talking Therapies, while continuing to work with her towards her goal of finding meaningful work or volunteering.

Alongside supporting Alexis with her mental health needs, we worked together to explore volunteering opportunities that matched her skills and interests. To help her feel confident for interviews and placements, Fedcap provided funding for smart clothes. Together, we secured a volunteering placement at Everybody Leisure in Crewe, where she now volunteers as a receptionist. 

A key part of Alexis’s success has been the support she’s received, not only from the team at Everybody Leisure but also from her emotional support dog, Finley.

Recognising the importance of Finley as a reasonable adjustment in the workplace, Everybody Leisure has embraced both Alexis and Finley with open arms.

Alexis said:

“Volunteering has given me focus and a good routine. I have developed lots of skills and have been a lot more confident since I have been here.”

The Inspiring Futures programme is open to people in Cheshire East aged 16+ who have a health condition which impacts on them looking for or staying in a job and aren’t currently receiving any benefits that require them to look for work.

If you would like to know more about how Inspiring Futures could help you, or how to refer someone, visit: 

Inspiring Futures page on Fedcap's website 

or email: 

hello@fedcap.org.uk