If you have Down’s syndrome and want to find work opportunities, register on to the WorkFit programme below.

Work means different things to different people. Some people want a paid job; some people want to do voluntary or unpaid work.

WorkFit staff will listen to your hopes and ambitions and can help to you to be more independent, get new skills, meet new people, earn money, and feel proud of yourself.

See below to find more information on your options.

If you have an enquiry about WorkFit, please email dsworkfit@downs-syndrome.org.uk or call the DSA Helpline on 0333 1212300

WorkFit updates will continue to be shared on Twitter @DSWorkFit

You will be taken on by an employer as a paid employee. You will have a contract of employment and employment rights.

Benefits:

  • Encourages independence
  • Get new skills related to adult social life
  • Wider circle of friends
  • Gain even more confidence

Benefits Information

To find out how paid work will affect your benefits click here.

What support will I get?

WorkFit will make sure that the job fits your personal requirements and support needs, and offers progression through training.

We will put you in touch with the right employment support agency and/or employer.

If you want to find some paid work, register on to the WorkFit Project. If you need help, ask your carer/parent.

The employer will train you to learn specific skills for a specific job. You must know what type/area of work you want to do. Try doing some volunteering or work placements to get more ideas about the type/ area of work you want to do.

Benefits:

  • Receive training
  • Start to get skills for a specific job

Benefits Information

To find out how an apprenticeship will affect your benefits click here.

What support will I get?

WorkFit will make sure that your training fits your personal requirements and support needs, and offers the skills needed for the job.

We will make sure that the apprenticeship or internship fits your personal requirements and support needs, and that you are fully supported at work. We will be with you at all stages and will continue to support you when you start your apprenticeship or internship

If you want to find apprenticeship jobs, register on to the WorkFit Programme. If you need help, ask your carer/parent.

It is a great way to get some real life work experience of the work you want to do while you are at school or college. It usually lasts between 6-12 weeks.

Benefits:

  • Learn about the world of work
  • Get to experience a range of different work options
  • Try a work area before making a commitment to that type of work
  • Build your skills and get new references

Benefits Information

To find out how work experience will affect your benefits click here.

What support will I get?

WorkFit will make sure that the work experience fits your personal requirements and support needs, and that you are fully supported at work by a buddy. We will be with you at all stages and will continue to support you throughout your work experience placement.

If you want to find some work experience, register on to the WorkFit Project. If you need help, ask your carer/parent.

Please note that WorkFit supports short term (up to 12 weeks)  work experience placements with commercial organisations as we believe that our candidates should be paid for their contribution to a private sector company after that time. With public or third sector organisations it can be beneficial to arrange longer term placements if all parties are in agreement.

You choose to give your free time to help other people without getting paid for it. You can volunteer with any kind of charities.

Benefits:

  • Learn New Skills
  • Practise the skills you have
  • Be more confident
  • Show employers you can keep regular hours and stay committed to a task
  • Meet new people and get references
  • Help you get job

Volunteering is also a great way for you to:

  • Do something you enjoy
  • Stay active and healthy
  • Help raise the profile of people with Down’s syndrome in your community
  • Find new interests or work you enjoy

Benefits Information

To find out how volunteering will affect your benefits click here.

What support will I get?

WorkFit will make sure that the volunteering placement fits your personal requirements and support needs, and that you are fully supported at work by a buddy. We will be with you at all stages and will continue to support you throughout your placement.

If you want to find some voluntary work, register on to the WorkFit Project. If you need help, ask your carer/parent.

Meet Daniel

Daniel explained that he was looking for more variety in his week and would like the opportunity to try some work experience.

Meet Timothy

Timothy works at Timpson Ltd.

Meet Emily

Emily works for DEFRA

Meet Sean

Sean works at the Holiday Inn Express.