NEW EMPLOYMENT OFFICER TO TRANSFORM LIVES AT CANTERBURY OAST TRUST!

Published: 6 June 2014

“You’re going to change my life.” That was one of the first things said to Kerry Gasior by one of the students training with Canterbury Oast Trust and Rare Breeds Centre, a charity providing homes and training opportunities for adults with learning disability across Kent and East Sussex.

Kerry joined the charity in April to run a new work and employment programme which aims to support people progressing from the charity’s training programmes in to work in the local community.

Kerry said: “In my short time at the charity I can already see the huge potential our students have to offer employers. People have worked hard to improve their skills and confidence, gained qualifications and tested their skills in our charity’s own commercial training environments which include retail, catering, farming and horticulture.   Moving to work in the community is now a natural progression for people who are eager to be more independent.”

Working with local companies and organisations, Kerry will connect employers to the right person for them and provide further support such as a volunteer on the job buddy if necessary. 

The programme has been made possible through a grant from the Henry Smith Charity a charitable trust which supports organisations and charities throughout the UK for initiatives and projects that address social inequality and economic disadvantage.

Gill Gibb, CEO of COT said: “While some progress has been made for people with physical disability in employment, those with learning disability have fewer opportunities and remain among the most socially excluded groups. This exciting new programme will literally change the lives of the people we support who are keen to have a job, a family and to play a fuller role in society. Something we all want from life.”

If you’re interesed in volunteering or are an employer who’d like to know more about being part of the programme please contact Kerry Gasior on 01233 861493 or email [email protected]

PHOTO: Kerry “mucking in” with students David Bieri and Michelle Bailey and Toby the Shire Horse at the charity’s farm the Rare Breeds Centre.