Workers who have benefited from a government scheme providing tailored support into employment shared their experiences with the Minister of State for Disabled People as he visited South Wales today.
The Government’s Work and Health Programme provides employment and skills support for people unemployed for more than two years — as well as to those with a disability or health condition.
Justin Tomlinson MP toured the Cardiff branch of Remploy, the leading employment, skills and disability specialist, to hear from people who have been helped by the initiative.
More than 16,000 people are expected to benefit across Wales, overcoming barriers to employment and transforming their lives.
Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said:
“Having a disability or health condition must not be a barrier to a rewarding career.
“Through our Work and Health Programme, we’re helping people in Wales into employment, so more businesses can reap the rewards of building a diverse workforce.
“It’s been fantastic to meet local people in Cardiff, and to see first-hand how the support we’re providing has helped them into work and given them a chance to lead more independent lives.
“Our Work and Health Programme is part of a wider drive to ensure disabled people and those with health conditions have the same opportunities to thrive in the workplace as everyone else.”
Delivery of the Work and Health Programme in Wales is supported by Remploy’s Community Partnership Network (CPN).
The CPN includes more than 70 organisations offering specialist advice and support across a range of issues, including mental health conditions, drug and alcohol addiction and housing support.
During his visit, the Minister met organisations from the CPN. These included Coleg Sir Gar, a further education and work-based learning college, and Pure Insights International, which offers intensive one-to-one counselling interventions to participants.
He also met Cardiff City Football Club, to find out about local work opportunities.
Gareth Parry, Remploy Chief Executive, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Minister to see some of the fantastic work taking place in Wales as part of the Work and Health Programme.
“As well as having the opportunity to meet some of the people who have benefited and moved into sustainable work, he was also able to meet some of the organisations we work in partnership with as part of our CPN – which we are very proud of.”
For more information about the Government’s Work and Health programme, visit: Work and Health programme.
