TIE-ing up a job

LOOKING for a new job can be a daunting prospect for anyone. But for people who have a disability, the challenge can be even greater.

Together Into Employment (TiE) was founded 20 years ago, with the original name of Training Into Employment.

Over the last two decades it has helped hundreds of Oldham people with disabilities, or who are disadvantaged, into work.

Marina Berry spoke to two young men who have jobs they firmly believe they would not have today had it not been for the help they received from TiE.

John Gilder, a senior employment mentor with Together Into Employment, is proud of the work it does from its base at the Falcon Enterprise Centre, Chadderton.

He highlighted an accolade bestowed on it by Ofsted 18 months ago, when the watchdog gave the organisation an outstanding grade.

“You can’t get better than that,” said John.

TiE works with people to help them find a job, or into training with the ultimate aim of getting a job.

It also acts as a go-between so employers get the best out of the people they employ, and employees offer their best.

People who have sought help from TiE range from teenagers to the over-60s, and they now work in a wide range of areas, from horticulture and administration to catering and retail.

The organisation also works with students with learning and physical disabilities at Oldham’s New Bridge Learning Centre, and arranges work experience for them to prepare them for the world of work.

John explained: “We work with people with a full range of disabilities, including learning, physical and sensory, and with anyone who is disadvantaged.

“Besides helping them get jobs, we also help with assisted learning so people can gain new skills to enable them to get work.”

He added: “Our first step is to get to know the people who want our help so we can tailor the service to meet each individual’s needs.

“We also have a good relationship with employers in Oldham, although we are always aiming to build on that.”

Paul Saunders is a shining example of how TiE can help change lives.

The 27-year-old was a quiet, shy man and his confidence was at rock bottom when he turned up for his first day of work at the Pavilion café in Chadderton Hall Park.

But now, three years down the line, he is a fully-fledged member of the team, a favourite with regulars, and has a raft of responsibilities.

He works for Elle Clegg and Mike Cumiskey, and both say the change in Paul is remarkable and he has flourished beyond recognition.

Mike now sees Paul as a dedicated member of staff who plays a vital role in the success of the cafe.

“He is smart, reliable, punctual and has an excellent relationship with both his colleagues and members of the public,” he said.

“From the shy quiet person who joined us, he has grown in confidence and shown a willingness to learn and take on more responsibilities.”

For Paul’s part, he loves his job, and said: “I like meeting different people every day, talking to them and asking if they have enjoyed their meal.”

When he first started, his duties were washing up and wiping tables, but now he takes his turn at everything — he helps in the kitchen and his cappuccinos are second to none.

The cafe is Paul’s second job. His first was a 12-month contract with West Pennine Housing Association, where he worked on clearing gardens and open spaces, and studied to gain an NVQ level 1 in horticulture.

TiE was involved in helping him get both jobs, and Paul, who lives in Chadderton, said: “I don’t think I would have got either without them.”

He has an employment mentor who worked with both Paul and his employers, and TiE’s services are still open to him if he ever wants a change of career.

Employers who want more information on offering work to people from TiE should contact Steve Hyde or Chris Seddon at Falcon Enterprise Centre, Victoria Street, Chadderton, 0161-633 7754, or log on to socs.tie@oldham.gov.uk.

Matt’s welcome role

Lees man Matt Tuckey (26) is the first person people see when they call into the Ena Hughes Day Centre.

Matt has worked on reception since August, and feels he has finally found a job he can stick to after numerous jobs which saw him struggling to meet the demands of his employers.

He explained: “I was going from job to job and just wasn’t getting anywhere.”

Matt, who also does some administration work, said: “It’s my short-term memory that causes me problems. I found my employers didn’t recognise the difficulties I faced and didn’t give me the time I needed.”

Matt, who has a degree in professional broadcast techniques from Salford University, heard about TiE from a chance comment.

“I was invited to a meeting where we discussed my situation, looked at my strengths and weaknesses, at the jobs I had had and what I enjoyed doing,” he said. “I liked working with people, and TiE helped me look for a job that might suit what I am good at.”

The Ena Hughes centre, in Failsworth, offers day care to vulnerable people with a mental health problem, or a physical, sensory or learning disability.

Matt said: “I love my job. It’s different every day and involves talking to disabled people, their supporters and council managers. I’m keen to learn more, and I have a project to work on my own development.

“I’m sure I would still be going from job to job if it wasn’t for TiE.”