Starting your own business can be a daunting task for anyone. The challenge can be even greater for members of the autistic and learning-disabled communities.
Thankfully, there is support out there to help you find your perfect job or get started with a business of your own.
The Local Area Coordinators – part of the Social Work Day Services - work hard to equip members of the autistic and learning-disabled communities with the knowledge and skills they need for learning, life and work.
Local resident Andrew Kerr had been keen to find work within the sound industry, a particularly niche area which can be difficult to secure employment in. After speaking with a few companies, the Local Area Coordinators (LACs) discovered that it would benefit Andrew to build on his knowledge and experience before applying for roles.
The team sourced and supported Andrew along to a training course about sound production, which allowed him to build on his knowledge and skills. He also began editing podcasts for Carer’s Link on a voluntary basis to gain valuable experience.
As he learned more about the industry, Andrew, decided he wanted to start his own business in this field and was keen to secure a part time job to financially support him to achieve this.
Guided by the LACs, he found a vacancy for an administration assistant with the Scottish Union for Supported Employment (SUSE). The team supported Andrew to update his CV, complete the application and prepare for his interview and his application was successful.
The team also provided in-job support for Andrew and met with his line manager regularly to ensure that he felt fully supported in his role. He enjoyed his temporary role with SUSE, which has now ended.
Andrew now works for the HSCP’s Outreach Team helping to facilitate two of their groups for members of the autistic and learning-disabled communities including the popular Manga, Anime, Gaming and Sci-Fi Society.
Working part time allowed him to start his establish business, Vorpal Sound Studios, which he hopes to grow in the years to come.
Andrew said, “My experience with the Local Area Coordinators has been nothing but a joy.
“Although they are a small team, they do an exceptional amount of work for so many people like myself. Each and every one of them has been nothing but kind, considerate and supportive.”
He added, “My life has benefited a great deal from them, and their support has been invaluable. Knowing that they will continue to support me for the rest of my life gives me a great deal of comfort.”
Caroline Sinclair, Chief Officer, HSCP, said, “I was delighted to hear of Andrew’s success, which is testament to his hard work and ambition. He is a fantastic example of how the skills and expertise of our Local Area Coordinators ensure that everyone they support can reach their potential.
“Not only is Andrew still pursuing his own business ideas, but he is also supporting other autistic people to take part in social opportunities in the community and is a great role model for other autistic young people.
“Our LACs work with a network of local employers who benefit from their advice and on-going support when taking on a new member of staff. The East Dunbartonshire business community can help the team by taking part in a short survey to help them identify new businesses they can work with in the future.
“By doing so, you can help the team tailor their work to provide the best outcome for those using their service, as well as match the recruitment needs of businesses in our communities.”
The survey can be found on survey123 [opens in a new window](link is external) and you can learn more about the team by visiting our website at The Local Area Co-ordinator s webpage..