Creating opportunities for all abilities to work

Posted: 29 November 2022

Shop assistant, Sam, gives the thumbs up outside the Brandon charity shop

In this article:

  • Difficulties finding paid employment
  • Sam's experience of finding work
  • Sam's new job
  • Watch the video to find out more about Sam

It can be very difficult to find paid employment when you have a learning disability or autism.

At Brandon, we think it’s important to create opportunities for accessible employment – where small adjustments can help people of all abilities to flourish and succeed in the workplace.

Sam’s experience of finding work

Sam is a 29-year-old autistic man. He is keen to work and has had many jobs in the past. Sadly for Sam, none of them felt like the right fit for him, or he wasn’t supported in the way he needed to thrive.

Sam’s new job

Eight months ago, Sam was successful at interview with Brandon and is now employed as a shop assistant at our Whiteladies Road charity shop in Bristol. He’s getting on really well, learning new skills and gaining confidence.

Sam told us: “It helps me build extra skills and experience, which is just what I need.”

The Brandon shop team also support him, which helps him to “concentrate better, which is no more pressure and no more stress.”

Sam added: “In a previous job, when there was a lot of people around, it would be too much. Some people asking stuff at the same time, seems too much.”

In this video, Sam tells us more about his job at Brandon and how he feels about it.

Get in touch

Speak to our friendly team to find out more about our support services, jobs, fundraising and volunteering opportunities and how we can support your organisation.

Sign up to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest from Brandon Trust through our quarterly newsletter.