Employment/Training - Social Services Community Care
A wide range of local and national organisations offer advice and support on employment and training issues for disabled people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What disability employment and training services are available?
Disability Unit
Department of Works and Pensions
Level 6, Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street
London WC2N 6HT
Level 6, Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street
London WC2N 6HT
Helpline: Benefit enquiry line for people with disabilities
0800 882 200
0800 882 200
Department of Health
Richmond House, 79 Whitehall
London SW1A 2NL
Richmond House, 79 Whitehall
London SW1A 2NL
Customer Service Centre -
Open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Telephone: 020 7210 4850
Minicom: 020 7210 5025
Email: dhmail@dh.gsi.gov.uk
Website: Department of Health
Minicom: 020 7210 5025
Email: dhmail@dh.gsi.gov.uk
Website: Department of Health
The Foundation for people with Learning Disabilities
83 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0HW
Telephone: 020 7802 0300
Fax: 020 7802 0301
Email: fpld@fpld.org.uk
Website: www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
London SW1H 0HW
Telephone: 020 7802 0300
Fax: 020 7802 0301
Email: fpld@fpld.org.uk
Website: www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
What about general employment and training opportunities?
Department of Education and Skills
A government education website providing information on any area of learning for both young people and adults.
Website: www.dfes.gov.uk
Website: www.dfes.gov.uk
Department of Trade and Industry
Can supply information on a range of employment issues including flexible working and parental leave for both employee and employer.
Telephone: 0870 150 2500
Website: Department of Trade and Industry
Website: Department of Trade and Industry
Connextions
Connexions Direct
Connexions is a service for all 13 to 19 year olds. It aims to help young people make the most of their potential, whatever their ability or background. They offer information and advice on a variety of issues that affect young people and have personal advisors who are professionally qualified to offer the best advice and support on employment and training opportunities.
Connexions also work closely with local employers and offer a job placing service for 16 to 19 year olds. You'll find Connexions Personal Advisers in your school or college or you can contact the local centre at the address below:
Connexions London West Partnership
Connexions London West
Suite 4, 2nd Floor, Alperton House
Bridgewater Road, Wembley HAO 1EH
Suite 4, 2nd Floor, Alperton House
Bridgewater Road, Wembley HAO 1EH
Telephone: 020 8453 5000
Fax: 020 8453 5001
Email: enquires@connexions-londonwest.com
Website: www.connexions-londonwest.com
Fax: 020 8453 5001
Email: enquires@connexions-londonwest.com
Website: www.connexions-londonwest.com
Jobcentre Plus
Help and advice on looking for work, extra support and making a claim for benefit.
Website: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Learndirect
Learning direct provides a free and confidential telephone helpline and website for adults looking for impartial information and advice on courses and careers. Qualified advisors can give information on around one million courses, plus advice on funding, planning your career, apprenticeships or writing your CV.
You can call free on 0800 100 900 seven days a week between 8am and 10pm.
Website: www.learndirect-advice.co.uk
West London Learning and Skills Council
A partnership of organisations offering information and guidance to adults about learning, basic skills, training, careers and work.
Telephone 0800 7834709
Where can I get information about mental health employment training services?
The Mental Health Foundation
83 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0HW
83 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0HW
Who can help with access to work?
Employment support for people with learning disabilities
Leaders Employment Resource works with people with learning disabilities and local employers to find meaningful paid employment for people who face discrimination and social exclusion. For further information please contact Leaders Employment Resource at:
Leaders Employment Resource works with people with learning disabilities and local employers to find meaningful paid employment for people who face discrimination and social exclusion. For further information please contact Leaders Employment Resource at:
Acton Lodge
84 London Road
Brentford
TW8 8JJ
84 London Road
Brentford
TW8 8JJ
Telephone: 020 8583 6144 or 6141
Fax: 020 8847 2259.
Fax: 020 8847 2259.
New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP)
New Deal for Disabled People is for those getting a disability or health-related benefit who want to work but need some help and support along the way.
New Deal for Disabled People is for those getting a disability or health-related benefit who want to work but need some help and support along the way.
Telephone: 0800 137 177
Fax: 0800 435 550
Website:
Fax: 0800 435 550
Website:
What about Caring and Carers Employment?
Almost two thirds of working age carers are in some sort of paid employment. A third of those work full-time and provide care for more than 20 hours per week. Combining work and caring can be difficult. The carer on occasion may have to take time off work to look after the person in need when an emergency occurs. The Government has acknowledged the importance of the carer being able to do this and at the same time have their rights to employment protected.
The Right to Have Time Off
The Employment Relations Act of 15 December 1999 gave carers in paid work the right to have time off to deal with a family emergency. Carers cannot now by law be penalised by their employer for taking time off so long as that time off is fully justified. Further information about 'time off' can be found at: www.dti.gov.uk
Work-Life Balance Campaign
In March 2000 the Prime Minister launched the government's Work-Life Balance campaign. This was to encourage employers to recognise the benefits to their organisation of flexible working arrangements and the responsibility that carers have out of work. The campaign is for everyone, whether you are an employer, carer, parent or jobseeker. It is about changing working patterns so that everyone can find a way to help them combine work with 'out of work' responsibilities. Further information about 'work-life balance' can be found at: www.dti.gov.uk
Promoting the Inclusion of Carers into Employment
Nearly three million carers juggle paid work and care - that is one in seven people in the workforce - and many have to reduce the hours they work or give up work altogether. Keeping a job, or returning to a job when caring has ended can mean facing significant barriers such as:
- loss of confidence and work skills.
- Invisibility to mainstream services such as;JobCentre Plus.
- Finding good quality, flexible and affordable alternative care.
- Finding an understanding and flexible employer.
- Bridging the gap between benefits and work.
The main Carers Online site is available at: www.carersuk.org
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
The trust offers information and ideas to help with the balance between being employed and caring.
- Issues faced by carers in employment
- How employers can help
- How do you find out about Carer friendly policies
- What can Carers do?
- Helpful organisations
- Employment opportunities
Website: www.carers.org
What about Education for people with Special Needs?
A person has special needs when they have:
- A physical disability
- A problem with sight, hearing or speech
- A mental disability
- Emotional or behavioural problems
- A medical or health problem
- Difficulties with reading, writing, speaking or mathematics work
Special Needs and Education
In September 2002 the Disability Discrimination Act Part IV came into effect making it illegal for disabled children and students in education to be less favourably treated. Providers of education have to make sure where reasonably possible that disabled learners are no longer disadvantaged. The law covers all areas of education such as schools, colleges, universities, adult education and youth services. Literature and advice for disabled people, parents and others is available free from the Equality and Human Rights Commission website:
Telephone: 08457 622 633
Fax: 08457 622 644
Fax: 08457 622 644
Children and Young People
If you are caring for a child or young person with special educational needs, you can get help from your local council. If you live in Hounslow contact:
Special Educational Needs
Children's Services and Lifelong Learning
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Children's Services and Lifelong Learning
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Telephone: 020 8583 6140 or 6141
Fax: 020 8583 2613
Minicom: 020 8583 2618
Fax: 020 8583 2613
Minicom: 020 8583 2618
Adults
There are a number of places where adults with special needs can get education:
Age Concern
Age Concern offer recreation and educational courses for the carer and person being cared for subject to the carer being aged 55 or over. The range of activities includes:
- Computer classes
- Gentle keep fit
- Relaxation
- Art and crafts
- Debating group
- Gardening
Where else can I go for advice and information?
Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service
A free, confidential advice service to employers and employees
Telephone: 08457 474747
Education and Training in Hounslow
For information and contact details to do with:
- Higher Education
- Further Education
- Secondary Schools
- Infant and Junior Schools