Cornwall project helping adults with autism and learning difficulties into work
It's called Proper Job and is all about giving people opportunities
A new initiative has launched in Cornwall which is helping adults with learning disabilities or autism back into work.
Proper Job is all about giving people opportunities into employment and training along with proper pay and proper conditions.
The café at County Hall in Truro is now managed by the project and five people have been employed there through the scheme.
Clive Gaylard is the area manager for adult social care at Cornwall Council. He said: "We are launching a new service called Proper Job, because we are expecting proper conditions and proper pay for the people who join our service, predominately they are people with learning disabilities or autism.
"Our aim is really to give people opportunities that could potentially be life changing and opportunities with the right support. We're looking at volunteering, apprenticeships and obviously paid employment.
"Five of our trainees have come though and we're employing them in the café and they're doing a superb job."
Lauren Bryant is one of those working at the café.
She told us: "It's been quite busy today, we do sandwiches, chocolates, drinks, things like that. I work behind the till and I serve drinks as well. I do like it here, I've made new friends and I do like my job."
Andy Virr is the Cornwall Council Cabinet member for adults and public health.
He said: "With any life-long disability it can be quite isolating and lonely and also tough on carers. Some of the more traditional approaches like day centres have a role, but wouldn't it be better if folks like this are fully integrated into our communities and working with local employers.
"We're seeing this here at Cornwall Council in the café, I also work at the hospital and we've got some fantastic colleagues there with learning disabilities working in the catering side, and also in my local community in Fowey a restaurant employs someone with learning disabilities."
"It's great support for them, they make new friends, it's helpful for their families and it's a really positive contribution to that employer."