After 40 years spent doing as she was told, Yvonne Simpson has finally been able to make decisions about the way she lives her life.
Yvonne, who has a learning disability, chose to take up the chance to work on the grounds maintenance project as part of Shaw Trust's Bromley Social Business and is now a valued member of the team.
"Day care was horrible. I didn't get on with any of the people. We just sat around all day, it was really boring. I wanted to do something different," said Yvonne, who has never had any kind of employment opportunities before.
"I really like it here. I do mowing and edging and pruning and weeding. It's really good fun. I get on with everyone and we have a laugh and tell jokes. My life is lovely now," she said.
Shaw Trust development officer Carl Harney has noticed big changes in Yvonne and her team mates: "They have really come on. They have learned new skills and are more responsible. Yvonne started off working two days now she works three. She is gaining confidence all the time."
Bromley Council
Bromley Council identified an urgent need to change day care services for people with learning disabilities away from the existing buildings-based large day centre style services. It also recognised the need to increase employment opportunities for people within the service.
After a period of consultation with staff and service users it was obvious that service users wanted a choice. They insisted on being able to work if they wanted to and being paid for the work they did.
Shaw Trust, as experts in this field, has proved the ideal partner in introducing and successfully operating the ground-breaking Bromley Social Business project.
