Our work with Talkback UK
Following the success of our first work placement scheme in 2021, which saw us welcome Thomas from Talkback into our IT team, we were eager to invite another individual to join the team and experience working with us.
Talkback is an esteemed charity assisting individuals with autism and learning disabilities in Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas. The Talkback employment service helps members to gain work experience and other valuable skills with the help of local businesses.
A position in our Caretaking team arose which worked perfectly for Marcus to join us for five weeks this spring. During his time, he said he was able to gain valuable work experience and, at the same time, contribute to the local community. While working with our team, Marcus volunteered in the workshop and helped our caretakers build bird boxes to help encourage wildlife in green spaces.
He also got out on the road with the team to install the new bird and bug boxes and see what a typical day is like maintaining our residential areas, communal gardens, and pathways. Marcus shared some of the activities he got up to, “I learnt how to cut wood using a handsaw and make holes using a drill. I was able to work on building some bug hotels and was taught how to create a supporting structure. During my time, we carried out health and safety checks in some areas and I learnt how to prune branches at an angle and how to cut to the nearest bud”.
He added, “I enjoyed being with Fairhive, learning new skills, socialising with the team, and seeing what they do day to day. I’ve seen aspects of the job and what it’s about. I was able to look out for problems and saw how the team solved any issues”
Only 2 out of 10 working-age people with a learning disability are in employment and we want to do everything we can to improve this staggering statistic. By continuing our collaborative effort with charities like TalkBack, we aim to create more inclusive opportunities and positively contribute to the community.
It has been a pleasure to welcome two members of Talkback on board so far and we appreciate all the hard work they’ve put in. We look forward to running more placements for young people across our organisation and raising awareness of the great work that charities such as Talkback do in our community. To read more about Talkback UK and its services to help upskill young people with autism, check out their website.
