WIREDGOV

Additional support is being made available to help people with learning disabilities into the workplace, as the Brothers of Charity Services (Scotland) today receives £400k of Big Lottery funding.

Based in Galashiels, the charity will provide work and training opportunities from its two social enterprises – an organic bakery and a gardening and woodwork business. The grant is one of eight sharing in £3,813,476 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Thanks to its award of £412,120, Brothers of Charity Services (Scotland) can provide on the job experience while creating an individual flexible work plan unique to each person.

The two year programme consists of four stages, a six week taster session in one of the businesses, followed by a six month training period. This will be followed by practical work experience in one of the two businesses before people are put in touch with outside groups and agencies where they will put their newfound skills into practice.

Chief Executive Officer, Charmian Ledsham, said: “We are delighted that the Big Lottery Fund has agreed to support our Working Together Social Enterprises.  The funding will make a substantial contribution to helping people with learning disabilities in the Borders access the training and experience they need to achieve their aspirations for employment. We will be working closely with Borders College, Employment Support Providers and Job Seeking Services locally to enable individuals to progress through their two year programme and successfully move on.”

Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “The Big Lottery Fund supports projects which aim to improve the prospects of people and communities across Scotland.  Today’s award to The Brothers of Charity Trust (Scotland) will provide people with learning disabilities with on the job experience as part of a two year training programme.  This will give them much needed confidence and skills which will be an asset to potential employers in the Scottish Borders.”

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 0141 242 1458
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter: @BIGScotland #biglottery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFundScotland

Notes to Editors:

• The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. We are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery for good causes and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes. 
• Since June 2004 we have awarded over £8 billion to projects that make a difference to people and communities in need, from early years intervention to commemorative travel funding for World War Two veterans.
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £33 billion has been raised and more than 450,000 grants awarded.