Care Provider backs Government Learning Disability Employment Strategy

  • The Learning Disability Employment Strategy
 

Responding to the new cross-government Learning Disability Employment Strategy.

29 June 2009

Responding to the new cross-government Learning Disability Employment Strategy, published Wednesday 24th June, Ted Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Craegmoor – a leading provider of specialist support to people with learning disabilities, mental health illnesses and older people – said today:

“Employers and the public would be entirely wrong to think that people with learning disabilities do not want to work and earn their own living, because they really do. We have learnt this through conversations with our service users and their families.

“We have done a great job in this country of helping physically disabled people into long-term employment, but now we need to re-focus and help people with learning disabilities in a similar way. The cross-government Learning Disability Employment Strategy is a great first step and it has already done a fantastic job of drawing national attention to the issue. What we have to see now, however, is words translating into actions – I want to see more job opportunities for people with learning disabilities being advertised, new flexible positions created, job coaches and additional assistance being offered.

“ Craegmoor believes that all people with learning disabilities should be allowed the opportunity to live as independently as possible and participate in day-to-day life – this undoubtedly includes the opportunity to work. Craegmoor has been working hard to provide for such independent living.

“We have seen what a difference work and other social activities can make to our service users’ quality of life and we want to make sure that everyone living with a learning disability is offered the same opportunities and experiences.

“Valuing People Now has already made a huge contribution to the lives of people with learning disabilities and to their families, friends and carers - raising awareness and pushing for the provision of personalised care for all. Employment needs to be the next area of action and I sincerely hope that the Government’s strategy signals the start of very exciting things to come. ”

Notes for Editors

For further information please contact the Craegmoor Press Office on: 01905 459 813

  • Craegmoor is one of the leading independent providers of specialist support in the UK with a turnover of approximately £170m and employs over 6,500 people.
  • It has a portfolio comprising specialist and nursing residential support, mental health hospitals, specialist adult colleges and supported living schemes with over 4,700 beds across 234 homes.
  • The wide range of services offered by Craegmoor include: Specialist support for adults with learning disabilities and mental health illnesses, Nursing and residential support for older people and Independent Hospitals
  • Craegmoor has 2,229 Specialist beds including 143 beds in three colleges.
  • Craegmoor has currently 2,242 Older People beds and 237 beds in the company’s Independent Hospitals.
  • Working closely with local authorities, Primary Care Trusts and NHS Trusts, Craegmoor is committed to building partnerships focused on constant service improvements which meet the needs of individual people and which are in line with regulatory requirements and best practice.