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What is Workstep?

Who is Workstep for?

Workstep is for people who are disabled. This may be because of a physical disability, sight or hearing impairment, learning disability, mental health problem or a long term illness.

Workstep may be for you if you are:

• looking for your first job
• returning to work after a break
• in work and need support because you have become disabled.

What can Workstep offer?

Workstep offers you the chance to:

• develop your skills
• progress in employment
• have the right support at work.

We can also advise on Disability Discimination Act issues.

We have experienced staff who are positive about disabled people and understand the contribution you can make in the workplace.

How we help you find employment

We work with you to:

• identify your skills and experience
• provide information about work opportunities
• match your skills with employers' needs
• liaise with you and potential employers
• provide practical support when you start work 
• make sure you have the right training and support to learn the job
• keep in touch to make sure everything is going smoothly
• support and develop you in your work
• help if there is a problem.

How we help if you become disabled while in employment

If you are employed and become disabled, we can provide support to help you keep your job. We work with you and your employer to:

• provide advice and information
• arrange specialist equipment or adaptations for you in the same job
• arrange retraining so you can keep working.

What type of work do we look for?

Workstep can help with almost any job in any organisation.

How will I be employed?

When we find employment you become a direct employee of the organisation you work for and will be paid by them. You will get the same wage as colleagues doing the same or similar work.

Will I have to pay for Workstep?

There is no charge for using Workstep to support you with employment.

How do I find out more?

Contact us to discuss whether Workstep would be right for you. You can get in touch with us at:

Community Employment Services, Elliott Road, West Howe, Bournemouth, BH12 8JP

Telephone: 01202 581671

Minicom: 01202 582511

Email: community.employment@bournemouth.gov.uk

You can also find out more about Workstep from the Disabilty Employment Advisor at your local Job Centre

185 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth

Telephone: 01202 275900