Charity helps adults with learning disabilities work

A charity that aims to get adults with learning disabilities into paid employment said it wanted to work with more companies to help members achieve their full potential.

MK Snap, based in Milton Keynes, started in 1992, with just nine learners and families and now has 140 people registered with them.

Steven Carruthers, its director of learning and quality, said: "They have a voice, they have something to contribute."

Jack, 22, who had a stroke aged 17, which left him with mental health challenges, now works six hours a week, said without the charity he would be "at home, doing nothing".

Jack has been employed by M&M Supplies in Bletchley since March.

"It's given me confidence, and a sense of belief I can do stuff that I thought I couldn't do," he said.

"When I had my stroke, I thought I wouldn't be able to work anymore, but now I've been given a chance that I can work, it's helped me a lot.

"Without the charity, I would still be at home, doing nothing."

As well as finding him employment, he also goes to the charity five days a week where he attends course and works in the cafe.

"I'm like robot, I'm non-stop", he added.

Barry, 43, who is a wheelchair user, was brain damaged at birth.

The Manchester United fan has attended sports and learning skills sessions at the charity since 2003 and said he "loves everything about it".

"When I started, I was very nervous at first, it's made me more confident," he said.

"I enjoy going on the computers and hopefully will get a computer job", he said encouragingly.

Janisha, 34, had a major brain injury aged 11 and said without the charity she would be "sitting at home all the time by myself".

At MK Snap she dances, partakes in sport and learns work skills.

"Now I can do really good things, that I really enjoy, meeting new people," she told the BBC.

"Before I was isolated, I couldn't talk to anyone."

Mr Carruthers said the bespoke service was all "about giving people with learning disabilities opportunities, skills and confidence to help them achieve" what they want.

"They have a voice, they have something to contribute," he added.

"It's a shame we can't have a bigger reach, because there's definitely a need."

Once companies are on board, Mr Carruthers said "the value and the impact it has within their organisation and the difference it makes to their culture and values as a company, it massively improves".

Frank Purcell, managing director M&M Supplies, in Bletchley, employs Jack and other members of the charity.

He told the BBC: "The most rewarding part is being able to change attitudes and misconceptions of what adults with disabilities can achieve in the workplace."

He said he has met many "inspiring individuals" who are kind, honest, creative, dependable and willing to learn.

"Why wouldn't any business want to be part of this?" he added.

Mr Carruthers said building partnerships is "looking at what their aspirations and goals are and doing everything we can to best support them to achieve them".

He said sometimes that could take the form of work being done remotely at the centre, work experience at a company, or a paid role.

"If that's into work, if that's being creative, having an opportunity to have and make friends, building relationships or helping with their mental health, we can then fill their needs and support them," Mr Carruthers said.

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