Forwards Employment Service (FES)

Forwards Employment Service

Our vision is to enable people with disabilities and health conditions to achieve their employment aspirations.  We do this by providing individuals with the structured support they need that promotes independence and fulfils their ambitions.  Our service is defined by the success of our customers.

Forwards 1:1 service - Providing 1:1 support for those with a learning disability who are known to Adult Social Care or Health to gain work experience and paid employment.  We work with a broad range of partners to provide holistic support to raise the aspirations of disabled people, their families, carers and other providers. Call Gloucestershire Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868 to be referred to us.

What type of support do we provide?

• Diagnostic and action planning - identifying transferrable skills and establishing work goals
• In work and returning to work benefit guidance
• Intensive one to one support for pepole funded by Gloucestershire CCG health budgets to find paid or voluntary work
• Employer engagement
• Bespoke training courses
• CV and Job Applications support
• In work support including advice on reasonable adjustment and Job Coaching
• Signposting to other organisations/sources of support

Forwards Work Clubs - Deliviering a work club for those with physical, sensory disability, Mental Health, Higher functioning, health barriers i.e. anxiety to find employment.

What type of support do we offer?

In partnership with Adult Education Gloucestershire we deliver 4 Work Clubs across the county. The Work Clubs provide a structured programme which will address the barriers to employment including goal setting, CV preparation, interview skills etc. Partners include employers who will co-deliver some sessions.

Forwards Outreach service – free drop in sessions for anyone:

with a disability, living in or accessing Gloucestershire, who needs an advice or support with employment activities. Locations and times:

Gloucester:

The Friendship Café, Chequers Bridge Centre, Painswick Rd, Gloucester GL4 6PR.

Wednesday 10:00-12:30. Call Ben Waters on 07789 273126 for more information.

Cheltenham:

Hester's Way, Community Resource Centre Cassin Drive Cheltenham GL51 7SU.

Thursday 10.00–12.00. Call Kingsley Salmon on 07741 097344 for more information.

Coleford:

Sixteen Community Cafe, 16 Bank Street, Coleford.

Thursday 10:00-12:00 (apart from the last Thursday of each month).

For more information please call Neil Hampton on 07586 548610.

Free service across all Gloucestershire. Multiple venues. Please contact us to find your nearest venue.

 Service is aimed at adults who are:  Blind or visually impaired

                         Deaf or hearing impaired

                         Learning disabilities

                         Mental health issues

                         Multiple disabilities

                         Physical disability