Headway Shropshire are in partnership with 21 organisations delivering Building Better Opportunities in Shropshire. This programme started in January 2017 and will run until December 2019.
The programme is joint funded by the European Social Fund and the Big Lottery to tackle the root causes of poverty, promote social inclusion and drive local jobs and growth. The programme is delivered in 38 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas according to local priorities. (See: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/esf).
As part of the Shropshire Building Better Opportunities project Headway Shropshire want to help improve the employability, motivation and confidence within the care sector of those on the programme by offering 12-week work placements within the Rehab and Reablement centre based on the Oxon business park in Shrewsbury.
The Rehab centre is open five days a week, Monday – Friday where the rehab staff support clients in various activities throughout the day including;
o Arts and Crafts
o Independent living skills
o Woodwork
o Computers
o Gardening
o Communication groups
o Quizzes
o Games
o Physical exercise
During the 12 weeks, individuals in the Building Better Opportunities programme can work alongside the rehab team to support clients throughout their day at Headway Shropshire helping to increase their understanding of various disabilities and gain valuable skills and experience in;
o Supporting people with acquired brain injuries
o Communication
o Offering emotional support
o Assisting clients in activities
o Assisting with personal care
o Delivering person centred care
The work placement coordinator will support individuals on placement with their initial induction, with job searching on the internet and CV update.
Access to the internet will also be provided so that individuals can job search independently and complete E-Learning in subjects relating to Health and Social care these include:
o Health and Safety
o Food Hygiene
o Infection Control
o Risk Assessment
o Safeguarding of Adults
o Diversity and Equality
o Mental Capacity Awareness
o Confidentiality
o Epilepsy Awareness
o Stroke Awareness
Headway Shropshire hope that our work placements can benefit individuals by;
o Increasing their confidence, empathy and respect for others
o Giving opportunities to develop transferable skills such as team work
o Allowing individuals to experience Health and Social care and to decide whether or not it is the right career for them
o Providing experience needed to help people move onto vocational courses
o Increasing job opportunities in the heath sector
o Giving something to add to individual’s applications and references
o Show individuals how rewarding it is supporting people.
Contact details:
Hattie (Harriet) Beardsley – BBO Work Placement Coordinator
T: 01743 365271
E: 
The project has received funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund as part of the 2014/2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
