A team of individuals with learning disabilities have graduated from a council-funded project that has helped them to gain work experience.
The year-long Bridge Project in Peterhead has worked with six locals who are at the very early stages of employment and has been backed by a number of local businesses.
The team have benefited from a series of workshops and a number of challenges designed to instill positive thinking, and improve teamwork skills.
First up for the six-strong team – Laura, Kelly, Rebecca, Lucas, Kevin and James – was establishing an enterprise in Buchan House selling soup, sandwiches, cakes and fruit to staff.
Through that, they gained vital skills in customer service, problem solving and cash handling before moving-on to identify the type of voluntary work they were keen to secure.
Following the success of the project, all participants are enjoying voluntary work with local businesses in the Blue Toon.
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Team manager Carol Balcombe said: “The Bridge Project is jointly funded by Aberdeenshire Council and the European Social Fund to give people who are at the very early stages of employment the opportunity to do work experience with local employers.
“Everyone on the project has been overwhelmed by the support that has been received from local employers which has given all the participants an excellent insight into working in their local community.”
Alison Davidson, who ran the project, added: “I am very proud to see how each of our participants have progressed on their journey.
“They have become a strong team, enhanced their skills, grown in confidence and become more independent.
“The local businesses have been very supportive in providing voluntary work placements for the participants giving them the chance to continue to progress and achieve.”
The group celebrated their graduation at a ceremony and presentation watched by family, friends and supporting firms and thanked the local businesses who had offered them placements to enhance their newly learned skills.
Inspire Peterhead manager Archie Campbell added: “I was humbled by the whole event and very proud of the contribution the participants made.”
