In their words

Case Study – Joe, aged 21

Joe is 21 and has learning difficulties. After he left school he took up a mainstream training placement in catering. The training programme was not tailored to effectively support young people with learning disabilities and Joe found it a real struggle. Eventually he left with no prospect of a job.

Joe was then referred to Dr B’s Kitchen. At Dr B’s, Joe’s support worker soon realised that there were a number of issues which needed to be tackled if Joe was to have any chance of getting a real job. Amongst other things, Joe needed to work more quickly as well as improving on his basic hygiene. Joe and his support worker worked hard and after a year, Joe was offered a work placement suited to his new found skills and experience.

Throughout the placement Joe’s employer and Dr B’s support worker closely monitored Joe’s progress and offered support and encouragement as appropriate. It was clear that Joe had a great deal to offer the company, where he has now secured a permanent job. One year on, Joe was selected as "Employee of the Year".

In their words - from employers

Throughout the work placement, I found Dr B’s true to their word in supporting me as an employer alongside the trainee. This very honest and focussed approach enabled us to address the real issues faced by the trainee and left me with the confidence to offer the young person employment. Head Chef, Greenmount College, Spring 2005

My staff had no experience of people with learning disabilities. Lots of reassurance and support to myself and my staff from Dr B’s at the initial stage of the placement was invaluable in making a success of the placement where everybody benefited. Restaurant owner, Bangor, Summer 2005