Member Article

Tristar Homes help people step into the workplace

Tristar Homes is piloting a service dedicated to supporting people with disabilities into higher education and employment.

Social landlord Tristar, which is part of the Vela Group, is working in partnership with STEPs, a service provided by Stockton Borough Council following the launch of two adult work placement schemes.

As part of the 12 month programmes, Matthew Moore and Robert Medd both 21 who have autism, are working three hours a week at Tristar’s head office at Preston Farm in Stockton.

Whilst there they support the customer service and income management teams with administration, mailing and data input tasks. They are accompanied by Joan Robb, a Personal Development Advisor for STEPs who monitors and supports their progress.

Both of the roles were created as part of a Job Carving process, which is a way of splitting jobs to ensure the most suitable person carries out each task. It is a concept that can benefit both employers and employees through increasing productivity by realigning workers’ tasks.

Joan Robb said: “People with a disability including autism have a wide range of skills, knowledge and abilities that can make an important contribution to an employer and the community. They often merely need the opportunity, encouragement and proper access and support.

“We cannot thank Tristar Homes’ employees enough, particularly those who work within the teams with Matthew and Robert, for the commitment and hard work they have put in to making this an enjoyable and beneficial experience for them both.”

Kay Glew, Head of Housing Services for Tristar added: “As a key provider of homes across Stockton we’re also dedicated to helping people back into the workplace whether this is through paid or voluntary work placements.

“The STEPs scheme has proven to be yet another positive initiative which has provided opportunities and helped people to positively change their lives.”

Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, Councillor Jim Beall, added: “I am really pleased that we are able to support Matthew and Robert in developing skills to help them progress their chosen careers.

“It is really important that all people have an opportunity to learn and work towards their ambitions. The support we are able to provide through STEPs at Tristar is an excellent example of how the Council is working with other organisations to help ensure all our young people have these opportunities and can gain valuable experiences.”

Before the programme began, Tristar invited local autism charity Daisy Chain to deliver awareness sessions to staff so they had a better understanding of the developmental disability.

STEPs work with a range of people who have mental health needs, physical disabilities and learning disabilities. The service aims to build on people’s aims and interests, develop skills and achieve realistic goals.

To do this they offer one to one support, practical advice and guidance to help people access opportunities and overcome the barriers to employment, helping build confidence, self-esteem, recognise abilities and realise potential.

To be supported by the STEPs programme, participants must be referred directly by a social worker. For more information please visit www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/learning/steps or contact Lynn Wightman, STEPs Team Manager on 01642 524525.

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