choices

I'm over 18, what is there for me?

If you are aged 18 or over and ready for work you can go onto New Deal

This programme helps you into employment. If you have a disability you can go straight onto New Deal as soon as you are 18 years old.

On New Deal you:

• get help from a New Deal Personal Adviser at Job Centre Plus
• gain skills that will help get you a job
• study full time at college for a year or
• work on an environment project for a year or
• do voluntary work on a training programme for a year
• receive Job Seekers Allowance Benefit plus about £15 per week
• possibly be employed for 6 months on a wage

New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP)

You can volunteer for this if you are 18 years or over and on a disability benefit. A Job Broker will help you find a work placement. They also support you when you first start work. You can find out more by calling the numbers below.

NDDP Helpline 0800 137177
New Deal Helpline 0800 435550
http://www.newdeal.gov.uk

If you are 18 years old and need help to cope in the workplace

You may be ready to think about looking for a job but feel you need some help to be able to cope in the work place.

Did you know?

Every Jobcentre Plus has a person called a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA). The DEA only works with young people once they have reached their 18th birthday.

The DEA is a person who

• will help you identify the type of work that is suitable for you
• has access to other professionals who can help identify your needs
• sometimes comes out to schools and colleges to talk with you and your family
• works with learning providers to find you a work placement

Learning providers support you once you are in a placement, such as in a factory, workshop or garden centre. Learning providers include organisations such as SHAW, REMPLOY, REHAB UK, J+J Training and MENCAP.

If you would like help from the DEA ask your Personal Adviser, Social Worker or someone at Job Centre Plus.

If you are 18 years old and not yet ready to try for work or training

Northumberland Social Services Department and the Northumberland Care Trust provide a range of day care activities and sheltered employment options, which may be more suited to your needs. The activities are fun but also help prepare you for the future and develop your skills.

• You do need to be 18 years old.
• The options must be agreed in your care plan but you may have to wait for a place.

Some of the options are:

Supported Employment and Education Service-(SEEdS)

• You can try work experience in a range of a sheltered work placements
• You may spend part of the week on a Course at Northumberland College to help you prepare for a work placement
• Places are mainly available in the north and central parts of Northumberland

Day Services at Adult Training Centres (ATCs)

• ATCs offer a range of activities, such as:
• Independent living
• Literacy and numeracy classes
• Visits to local colleges and time on local college courses
• Leisure activities and drama, art and music
• Bakery and kitchen activities
• Horticulture
• Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions

There are ATCs at Alnwick, Berwick, Blyth, Cramlington and Hexham.

Other options include:

• Ponteland Care Village - residential care plus Art, Horticulture, Retail and Catering
• Northumbria Daybreak (Dilston) - candle making business, walled garden and a range of other activities
• Hepscott Park, Ridley Hall Horticultural Units and Sleekburn Horticultural Unit, Bedlington - (formally known as Earth Balance)
• Percy Hedley Chipchase Centre - offering a range of activities for adults with Cerebral Palsy

You can find out more about day care activities and sheltered employment options from your Care Manager or go to http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/caretrust" target="_blank