Wokingham

Peter Nice is always working hard. He is a keen charity fundraiser and is involved in several committees at the Wokingham Resource and Opportunity Centre (WROC) in Woosehill Lane. But Peter's learning disabilities have made it difficult for him to secure permanent employment – until now.

Peter joined the 'It's Working' supported employment scheme for people with learning disabilities in 2003. Since that time he has gained skills on temporary contracts, first in Wokingham District Council's Terrace restaurant and then in the council's strategy and partnerships service.

'It's Working' is a supported employment scheme based at WROC, enabling job seekers with a disability, who need extra assistance, to succeed in work. All service users are matched with a district council job coach, who provides them with support during the search for a job. Once paid employment is secured, the job coach will work with the individual in their job until they are able to work independently. There is no time limit for this and it is very much a service that is based on a person's individual needs.

After gaining confidence in his duties as an administrative assistant at the Wokingham council, which have included opening and distributing post, photocopying, shredding, filing, scanning and doing mail shots, Peter recently put in an application for a permanent post. After a successful interview, he was offered a permanent contract.

Sarah Griffiths from 'It's Working' at WROC is Peter's job coach. She said: “Peter always shows care and interest in his job. Working at Shute End has given him the opportunity to learn new skills and develop good relationships with his colleagues. He has become a lot more confident in the time he has been there. Everyone at 'It's Working' is really pleased for Peter. He really deserves the success!”

When asked what he enjoys about his job, Peter replied: “Everything! I am really, really happy about my new contract.”

Management support assistant Kirsty Foster, Peter's manager at Wokingham council, said: “Peter is a pleasure to work with and always takes care with his tasks. I am very pleased to have him working with us in the strategy and partnerships service.”

Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, Wokingham council's executive member for social care services and housing, said: “Searching for a job can be a daunting task for anyone, even without the additional difficulty of a disability. The 'It's Working Scheme' is providing invaluable support to many people who are extremely capable but who perhaps lack the confidence and experience that most employers want to see. I would like to congratulate Peter on his new job and wish him every success. I also hope that other employers will see the value of the scheme and contact the council to get involved.”

Wokingham District Council