Peterborough businesses encouraged to provide employment for adults with learning disabilities and autism

Day Opportunities, managed by City College Peterborough, wants the adults they support to live the fullest life they possibly can.

At an event held at Day Opportunities’ Industrial Hub in Hampton, guests learned about how they can support the programme and help to get adults in to the workplace.

Day Opportunities has worked with almost 50 employers in Peterborough over the last two years, securing 119 work placements during this period. The impact on the adults is considerable allowing them to grow confidence, independence and social skills.

Julie Bennett, vice principal for day opportunities and innovation pilot at City College Peterborough, said: “According to the charity Mencap, just six per cent of people with a learning disability are in employment in the UK.

“We know that getting a job, even if it’s for just a few hours each week, is cited as being a number one priority for many of the adults we support.

“If you are a Peterborough businesses or organisation who might be able to offer employment to the people we work with then we would love to hear from you.”

Guests at the event included representatives from Peterborough’s business community, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough Tom Hennessy, the leader of Peterborough City Council Cllr John Holdich, and the Mayor of Peterborough Cllr Gul Nawaz.

You can contact City College Peterborough’s Day Opportunities programme via Leanne Yates at [email protected].