Call for more firms to back young people with learning disabilities

Corporate gifting company Colleague Box is encouraging other firms to support young people with learning disabilities following its latest work placement.

The firm, which was set up by husband-and-wife Adam and Natalie Bamford four years ago, has initially welcomed Tanveer Binning on a part-time voluntary basis to support the development of his vocational skills.

Initially, Tanveer will be accompanied by a member of staff from Transition2, a specialist learning provision in Derby for young people with learning difficulties and Autism Spectrum Conditions.

But, as his confidence grows, he will be encouraged to become increasingly independent in his travels and the work that he does for Colleague Box.

Natalie, a former teaching assistant who worked with children who have special needs, said: “Tanveer is very hard-working and a pleasure to work with.

“It was important for us to work with Transition2 to find a suitable candidate and, for us, Tanveer fits the bill.

“Putting the boxes together is an important job, and we’re really grateful for the job that Tanveer is doing. It’s a job with a repetitive nature, and that suits Tanveer. It’s a huge help to us.”

Transition2 was set up with the aim of providing bespoke and meaningful transition programmes that allow young learning-disabled people to segue into opportunities in life as active citizens.

Alex Newman, teaching and learning co-ordinator at Transition2, believes there is still more that can be done to address barriers to employment.

Getting a job is also just the start, as employees with learning difficulties may require bespoke follow-on job coaching support to sustain their job in the face of challenges that those without a disability may be able to navigate independently.

Alex said: “It’s great to see that companies such as Colleague Box are giving young people like Tanveer the opportunity to develop their skills, showcase their assets and help to promote independence.”