Supporting people with learning disability or autism to live, learn and work
Orchardville, a registered charity and social enterprise, is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Their mission is rooted in the belief that, with the right support, every person with a learning disability or autism can realize their full potential and achieve their employment goals.
Operating in the Belfast, South Eastern, and Western Health & Social Care Trust areas, Orchardville offers tailored services and programs for individuals aged 16-65 with learning disabilities and/or autism. One of the key components of their services is social enterprises, which provide participants with the opportunity to gain work experience in a genuine business setting, supported by vocational mentors.
Supported Employment is a cornerstone of Orchardville’s approach, proven over decades to effectively assist individuals with significant disabilities in securing and maintaining paid employment.
This model emphasizes collaboration between various stakeholders to enable individuals with disabilities to obtain sustainable, long-term employment opportunities while benefiting businesses with valuable employees.
Central to Supported Employment is the principle of equal treatment for individuals with disabilities in the workplace, including fair pay, employee benefits, safe working conditions, and prospects for career advancement. The model is founded on the belief that with adequate support, anyone can pursue and succeed in paid employment.
Here’s what Orchardville can do for Employers:
Free Training: Get access to free training on learning disability and autism, so you can better understand and support your team.
Staff Development: Embrace diversity in your teams, knowing that diverse teams perform better and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Community Engagement: Let’s brainstorm together on how your team can give back to the community, whether it’s time, money, or talents.
Reflect Your Community: Make your workplace reflect the diversity of your community. Let’s make it inclusive for everyone!
Brand Boost: Partnering with Orchardville means we’ll share our successes far and wide, helping your business connect with new audiences.
CSR Objectives: Align your corporate social responsibility goals with actions that support diversity and inclusion.
Employment Expertise: Tap into Orchardville’s expertise to make your workplace more diverse and inclusive.
Excited to hear more? Here are some ways you can get involved:
Host a Visit: Show off your business with ‘Talent Tours’ and give participants a taste of what it’s like to work in your industry.
Offer Work Experience: Give participants the chance to try out real work or host mock interviews to boost their skills.
Share Your Expertise: Shape the training Orchardville provides with your industry knowledge and experience.
Corporate/Charity Partnerships: Want to give back? Whether it’s fundraising, volunteering, or donating resources, every bit helps change lives!
Join Orchardville’s Employer Champions and be part of something truly special. Your support could be life-changing for someone looking for their big break in the workforce. Check out some of our Employer Champions and learn more today!
