Share has partnered with another charity, The CiaO Foundation, to establish a new programme to support adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs develop the skills they need to get into work and live more independently. 

Share currently works with 191 students each week across its four sites in Wandsworth and Lambeth. Amongst the courses it provides, which develop employability and independent living skills, are catering, horticulture, digital skills, Steps into Employment, Maths and English.  

Currently, just over half of Share’s students take a course that is related to developing the skills and confidence they will need for work, yet there are many societal barriers which impede disabled and autistic adults obtaining and enjoying fulfilling work. 

In London, only 5.3% of adults with a learning disability are in paid employment (NHS Digital, Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework, 2022) compared to around 80% of the population without a learning disability. And only 30% of autistic adults work (National Autistic Society). 

Share and CiaO have recently partnered to offer scholarships to three Share students, enabling them access to an extra day of training for one day a week, for up to three years. CiaO and its partners, Act 111, Almacantar and London Metric are funding the scholarships over the three year period and will also aim to deepen the partnership through providing volunteering, work experience opportunities, and mentoring. 

Abi Carter, CEO of Share Community, said, 'We know that there a lot of stars that need to align to support students into sustainable and enjoyable employment. On top of the practical and technical skills a student needs for a job, they’re likely to need to have the confidence to travel independently and be safe in the community, as well as the emotional tools and resilience to deal with the inevitable challenges that arise in a new environment.'

'Realistically this requires a combination of different programmes and training opportunities, but many of our students only receive funding to attend one or two days a week which means progress towards their goals is not going to happen as quickly as they would like. We believe this additional commitment from CiaO and its generous partners will give three students a significant boost in their efforts to get into work.'

Having received 10 initial applications, three students were selected who are going to use their scholarships to develop their catering or digital skills. Anna-Marie, who is now receiving an extra day of digital skills training thanks to the scholarship said, 'My goal is to work in an office and I feel very happy learning office skills at Share. Thank you for helping me to learn more.' 

Andrew Hogge, Chair of the CiaO Foundation, said, 'We are so pleased to have formed this joint initiative with Share which would not have been possible without the generous support of Almacantar, London Metric and Act 111 LLP who are funding the scholarships over the three year period. We look forward to working together with Share, the sponsors and the students to help them achieve their goals to secure employment and to hopefully live more independently, as well as enjoying the new experiences offered by an expanded professional network.'

Lottie Geaves at Almacantar, one of the donors of the scheme said, 'Almacantar is delighted to support the sponsorship programme created between The CiaO Foundation and Share Community. It is fantastic to hear how well the three students, who are benefitting from the extra time at Share, are doing. We can really see how taking the courses on catering and digital skills are boosting the students’ confidence and providing practical tools which will help grow their independence and ultimately develop the skills they need to get into work in the future.' 

If you would like to find out more about supporting the scholarship scheme, please email scholarships@sharecommunity.org.uk or info@ciaofoundation.com