WELCOME TO SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Brandon Trust's Lead Director in South Gloucestershire is Ingrid Vlam Contact: ingrid.vlam@brandontrust.org |
The Local Conversation
Brandon Trust is staying local. Although Brandon Trust is developing new services across the South West Region we recognise the importance of providing services and support to people that reflect what is going where they live and work. The following conversation is from Brandon Trust's current annual report and is specific to the South Gloucestershire area.
The South Gloucestershire Conversation
"It's a great opportunity for people with learning disabilities to get included with what is going on in the centre of the town..."
Luke Joy-Smith and Matt Britt are Service Development Managers for Brandon Trust. Together they have considerable experience of working in South Gloucestershire, they also both live there too. This is a Unitary Authority which has positively reviewed its approach to day time support for people with learning disabilities. Luke and Matt have been at the forefront of Social Enterprise initiatives, these link into the new review.
Luke: Do you think we could be mistaken for Smith and Jones?
Matt: No, they were a couple of comedians, not like you and me.
Luke: Fair enough. Matt, your expertise is in Supported Employment.
Matt: Luke, you're on the button. Your thing is European Social Fund projects, initiatives like 'Ways To Work' and '2Progression2'.
Luke: True but I also have some really good examples of practical enterprise projects operating in South Gloucestershire. Take the cafe idea. In Kingswood High Street, directly opposite the Civic Centre, we have the Park Cafe. Out in Thornbury there's Turnberries Cafe being run from the Community Centre. Hopefully it compliments the overall facilities in Thornbury.
Matt: It does. It's a great opportunity for people with learning disabilities to get included with what is going on in the centre of the town and for local people to feel they have a valuable asset in their community. Plus, it's all possible because we've been able to do joint work with South Gloucestershire Council.
Luke: True, I think the strength of supported employment within Brandon is that we grab opportunities as they arrive.
Matt: Luke, it's a case of right place, right time – constantly keeping an eye out for the good ideas. Okay Mr Joy-Smith, what have you got for us?
Luke: How about this from Mahatma Gandhi, 'We must become the change we want to see'
Matt: Tell me more.
Luke: We are actively encouraging all Brandon staff, from the senior management to support workers, to look at what they do and see how they can adapt and evolve their roles and responsibilities to make employment possible for more people with learning disabilities.
Matt: Okay, that's the bit about 'becoming the change'.
Luke: Here's even more. Are you ready for this?
Matt: Let me have it.
Luke: See, it's essential that people understand the true importance of work. You know, status, belonging to a group, sense of purpose, self-confidence, self-esteem, friendships, life experiences, work-life balance and, of course, money!
Matt: I think you must have rehearsed that.
Luke: Maybe, but its true. And South Gloucestershire have helped get it together.
Matt: There's more to do Luke, and we're going to do it.
Luke: See you there.
