Wise Steps Employability Programme

The Wise Steps Employability Programme helps adults with learning disabilities find employment.

Website: Your Voice Counts

Disclaimer - South Tyneside Council does not run this service

The information on the website was correct on the date it was published. We make every effort to keep the information on our website correct and up to date, but South Tyneside Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, or liability for any inconvenience, loss or damage, however arising, from the use of, or reliance of this information.

You should check any information with the relevant service before acting or relying upon it.

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Support available
  3. Who can access the service
  4. How to access the service

Overview

The Wise Steps Employability Programme helps adults with learning disabilities find employment.

It aims to bring them closer to the job market, with a focus on:  

  • developing skills and building confidence  
  • offering a range of training opportunities and activities 
  • moving from one benefit group to another - for example, moving from Employment Support and Allowance support group, to Employment Support and Allowance work group 

Support available

Job Coach provides one-to-one help and support.

The aim of job coaches are to:

  • motivate and support people to move forward in life
  • help people achieve some of their life goals
  • help people find paid employment 

Those working with the service can be referred to specialist partners who also provide one-to-one tuition and support in:

  • Literacy / numeracy
  • Digital inclusion
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Volunteering
  • Employment engagement
  • Financial advice

The service also provides:

  • Health and wellbeing sessions 
  • Job coach activities, including creating an action plan and building your CV 
  • Online and face to face activities, such as cooking and art 
  • Drop-in sessions in South Tyneside and Gateshead to prevent social isolation 

Who can access the service

People who live in Tyne and Wear and:

  • have a learning disability (diagnosed or undiagnosed) 
  • are unemployed 
  • are aged between 18 and 65 years old
  • are eligible to work in this country 

How to access the service

Anyone can make a referral or self-referral.  

Once the referral has been received, you will need to complete the following: 

  • An induction to the programme 
  • Wise Steps Assessment 
  • Entry Forms with an initial action plan 
  • Proof of eligibility to work in UK 
  • Provide proof of unemployment