Ethos Public Relations Manchester

New report demonstrates benefits of work related learning for young disabled people

by Ethos public relations

The work related learning programme from National disability charity, Action For Kids, has been given the green light from Middlesex University after receiving an independent research report – the very first of its kind.

“The results are fantastic,” said Mike Hayes, Action For Kids Chief Executive.

“The Report, compiled together with Action For Kids Social Return on Investment (SROI) report which places a financial value of £6.37 for every pound the charity invests in this area, demonstrates that the work that we do with the young people – really does have a positive impact.

“We recognise the difficulties young disabled people face when it comes to gaining access to employment and at Action For Kids, our work related learning programme enables young people to develop invaluable skills not only for employment, but also charitable volunteering and community participation.

“And by focusing on young people’s abilities, we provide a positive and supportive environment in which they can really develop their confidence, self-esteem and self-reliance.”

The report, which was commissioned by Action For Kids, is the first piece of research to be produced under the Social Enterprise Research Capacity Building Cluster Voucher Scheme, funded by the Office of the Third Sector and the Economics and Social Research Council, as part of a five-year research programme to develop links between social enterprises and universities.

The report highlights that everyone who attends the work related learning programme plays a vital role in the Action For Kids business as each young person has a clearly defined role and those now employed by the charity, enjoy their ‘paid employee’ status.

The report also shows that in addition to the young people developing actual office skills (keyboard practice, IT skills training, office administration, data entry systems) the supportive environment which nurtures team working, job coaching and enhanced skills training is invaluable for their development.

A further benefit of an integrated working environment, highlighted in the report, means the young people have evidence of the possibility of employment and are supported to achieve and use their initiative when working individually.

The research report was presented to Action For Kids by Dreenagh Lyle, who conducted the research, Professor Eleanor Kofman, and Erin Sanders, a research fellow in the School of Social Sciences.

“As this is the very first research report of its kind, we are delighted to be able to visit Action For Kids and personally hand it to the charity,” said Professor Eleanor Kofman from Middlesex University.

“It is a really innovative way of showing the charity working at its best and we are thrilled with the results.”

Posted at 8^th June 2010