Supported employment through WAVE programme

Vivo Care Choices’ Work and Voluntary Enterprise (WAVE) programme has helped Christina start supported employment as she’ll be offering a warm welcome to any visitors at Firdale in Northwich.

WAVE is a 12-week programme for people with learning disabilities and autism, teaching them a range of new skills to help them on their journey to supported employment or volunteering.

The programme includes topics like communication, health and safety, teamwork, food hygiene, how to act in the workplace and much more.

Christina, who accesses Vivo’s services, recently completed the WAVE programme and, with support from the Council’s Supported Employment Service, started part-time, supported employment at Firdale.

Working on reception, Christina will be a friendly face at Firdale and support the wider team with general administration tasks.

Asked what she was most looking forward to about her new role, Christina said:

“Meeting the staff and visitors.”

Liz, who supports Christina in Vivo’s services, added:

“We tailor the programme to the individual so we’re supporting them one-to-one.

“They’ve each got a portfolio to show what they’ve done and how they've experienced a wide range of new skills.

“As part of the programme, they helped put on a movie afternoon.

“Not only is it about going into employment, but a lot of the people we support will be moving into their own houses so it helps with everyday skills.”

For more information about Vivo and the range of services it provides, visit: 

vivocarechoices.co.uk.

Christina’s supported employment is backed by the Supported Employment Service, a programme run by the Council to provide support for adults with learning disabilities or autism and find and sustain paid employment. The service also offers guidance and support to employers who want to benefit from developing a diverse workforce.

Full details about the Supported Employment Service

Any organisations looking to link in with the service can email: 

supportedemploymentservice@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

Pictured - Christina helps with tasks at Firdale.