Pathway to Employment
In 2022, we were successful in getting funding from the Big Lottery Fund to run our 'Pathway to Employment' project where we aim to get adults with special educational needs into work experience and volunteering, this leading to part or full time employment. We have managed to achieve great results in just a short space of time with 65 work experience, 16 volunteering and 7 employment opportunities set up and we have been able to provide support in them throughout, due to being able to set 2 job coaches on as part of our team.
Here are some stories of a few people that we have supported along the way:
Mickey - My name’s Mickey, I am the Maintenance guy! It is my job to keep the whole building in check, making sure everything is in working order and safe for our customers and staff. I have been coming to Lifeskills for 4 years and since being here I have found a passion for Grounds Maintenance and hands-on work, helping with the big refurb in 2024, creating a fresh and safe environment for the growing business! I have recently passed my COSHH training at Lifeskills and have now started working 4 hours on a Wednesday to deep clean the kitchen, with the support of my job coach Lee who assists me with handling hazardous chemicals, and I also do any required maintenance such as tidying the yard and moving furniture around.
Sarah - Hello my name is Sarah, you will usually find me helping with birthday parties around the park, marshalling the trampolines and helping serve on reception. I started the Lifeskills Program in December 2024 and started work experience as Party Coordinator at Dexx in February 2025, which I am loving and feeling very supported by Beth who is my job coach/support worker. I have a passion for working with children and one day hope to gain permanent employment in a children-focussed role! Since working at Dexx my confidence has grown massively and I am learning new skills every day, such as money handling and event organising, as well as health & safety awareness when marshalling on the park.
George - Hi I’m George! I am part of the kitchen team at Dexx and you will find me behind the kitchen counter cooking and prepping all our delicious food for our loyal customers. I started my journey with Lifeskills in 2022 and successfully completed the program in 2024 when I started permanent employment at Dexx Activity Centre. I am dedicated to providing our customers with outstanding service and ensuring they have a welcoming and positive experience at our facility, it is my goal to make sure they want a visit us time and time again. I am extremely proud of how much I have learned during my journey and am keen to learn more skills along the way!
To view more of our stories please click here:
