Neurospace, the Adult Autism Service’s support hub, has been running Job Centre drop-in sessions to support people into employment.
For some the Job Centre, although a useful space filled with information and support opportunities, can be quite overwhelming. The busy and open-plan offices can be hard to navigate for those that struggle with sensory issues.
Neurospace partnered with Grimsby JobCentre Plus to facilitate drop-in sessions that are more sensory friendly and accessible for more people. This partnership has been beneficial for both the Adult Autism Service and the Job Centre as it helped enable more people to explore their employment opportunities in North East Lincolnshire.
Recently, Steve Sylvan, Specialist Therapist of the Adult Autism Service, received some fantastic feedback from the parent of an autistic person that attended these sessions. The feedback said:
“Just had to send message to thank you so very very much for listening to my concerns and arranging a meeting with Helen from the Jobcentre at Neurospace.
“I have tried unsuccessfully for a couple of years to get a meeting like this with a Job Centre member, but you were the one who finally managed to actually achieve it. Thank you so much!
“Helen, the job coach, was totally amazing. There should be more people like Helen!
“In a few minutes, after I explained the worries I have had for past 5/6 years that have kept me awake night after night, she put my mind at rest. Helen gave me information I have never heard before or received from anyone else. She was a total angel sent from heaven along with yourself.
“The option of having meetings at Neurospace instead of Job Centre was so much more relaxed and chilled. Please recommend more of these sessions, as I am sure it will make other people feel more comfortable.
“Thank you for your hard work in making these amazing meetings happen at Neurospace. It has made such a difference. You obviously really listen intently to what people are asking for and then work away behind the scenes to make these things happen.
“I am so appreciative of what you do and want you to know you are really making a difference to so many lives. As a carer, with this one meeting, you have eased my burden a little and helped so much with my stress levels just by facilitating this.”
When asked about his experience with the Grimsby JobCentre Plus partnership, Steve said:
“I’ve been building up a partnership with the Job Centre so they can run drop-in sessions/workshops and job centre appointments from Neurospace. The job centre is a really traumatic place and sensory overwhelm for many autistic people.
The feedback since folk started attending their appointments at our place has been smashing and this email sums it up.”
For more information on the Adult Autism Service or contact us, visit https://careplusgroup.org/services/adult-autism-service/ for more details.
