Our 'This is Autism at Work Campaign' went live for Autism Awareness Week featuring twenty four year old Sarah Hooke who we supported to get a work placement at construction firm Farrans.
The campaign featured over billboards, adshells and rear of buses across the south eastern region of Northern Ireland and has gained the attention of employers who want to sign up to our ‘Work Placement Pledge’ supporting people with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and learning difficulties into valuable work placements and employment.
Sarah Hooke continues to be supported by Stepping Stones NI in her work placement at construction firm Farrans in Dunmurry. Sarah always wanted to work at Farrans and to be part of a big team and her mum Denise contacted us to ask if we could make this happen. Sarah has excelled in confidence, self esteem, communication and skill during the work placement. She is supported by her job coach and employer to make reasonable adjustments to the working environment which has made the difference.
Joanne Lennox, Head of People and Engagement at Farrans believes that every employer should think about offering a work placement to a person with Autism or a condition which affects their ability to gain employment “Stepping Stones NI make the process of offering a work placement to someone with Autism easy and transparent and they are so supportive” says Joanne.
Watch the short video featuring Sarah and her employer by clicking here
Employers interested in signing up to the pledge can contact Carla Bowyer at carla.bowyer@stepping-stones.org.uk / 07717738804.
