Supported employment provides job support for people with learning disabilities and autism

With the right support, most people with a learning disability or autism can and want to work, and the Salford Supported Employment service has been proud to help residents move towards that.

Finding and sustaining employment can sometimes be challenging, but the impact of the right support can be life changing for residents who have struggled previously to gain work. Work helps to build independence, boost confidence, grow skills, widen social networks and support people to feel fully included in their community.

Two recent participants of the service, Leslie and Brodie, have shared with us how the service helped them take important steps towards employment.

Leslie

Leslie came to the service wanting to find work but was feeling unsure about how to get started. With support from his key worker, he built a CV, learned how to search and apply for jobs and gained confidence in navigating the recruitment process. The service also helped him with induction support, work clothing and connecting him with wider employment networks. He said:

The support was helpful, supportive and they really listened to my needs.”

Brodie

Brodie, who was interested in hospitality and retail, built confidence through one‑to‑one support, CV development, travel planning and completing an online customer service course. With help from the team, he applied for roles, attended interviews and improved his job‑search routine. He describes the programme as:

Valuable for anyone with autism or a learning need who wants guidance and someone to support them along the way.”

The Salford Supported Employment service has worked closely with residents and employers, ensuring that adults with learning disabilities and autism are supported to thrive in work and grow in confidence about their future.

The service is not currently taking new applications or referrals, but will be reopening in late Spring 2026. For alternative employment support, you can contact the team at [email protected].