Supported People Awards 2010

Top Support for Wigan’s Supported Employment

It’s been another successful year for the Council’s employment and training provider for people with disabilities. And once again, as they gathered for their Christmas party and annual awards, the Supported Employment Service were joined by senior council staff.

“I’m here because I am so impressed with what you all do,” Chief Executive Joyce Redfearn told them. “I have met many of you – those in jobs and those who support you in finding work – and I am proud of what you have achieved.”

The Chief Executive was joined by Cllr Chris Ready, the cabinet’s champion for customers, as well as managers from the Adult Services Department and business leaders, to celebrate long service awards at a sparkling ceremony at Ince Town Hall last week which was sponsored by Zimmer Products, Simply Med, Tesco Hindley, Cube Marketing and Pooles Pies.

The awards night enables the Council to acknowledge the long term achievements of individuals who they’ve supported into permanent employment, as well as applaud bosses from firms like , McDonalds, Morrisons Ince, Asda Golborne, and MPV Packaging who have excelled in displaying good equal opportunities practice and employing a workforce that reflects local communities.

Cllr Ready said: “Once again, it has been an inspirational evening and a pleasure to see everyone. I’d also like to thank the employers who work to support you – it is a great partnership and the results are here for all to see.”

Ms Redfearn and Cllr Ready presented awards to thrilled local employees, including:

· Gary Box and Ritchie Taylor, for 15 years’ service
· Andrew Knight for 10 years’ service
· Caroline Travis, Michael Hoyle, Darran Makin, Nicola Biggs, Duncan Morrison and Philip Bird for 5 years’ service

There was a special achievement award for Leigh’s Ritchie Taylor, who has clocked up a very impressive 15 years’ service at the McDonalds on Bradshawgate, and also for bosses at the branch as Employer of the Year.

Plaudits for the team over the last few years include ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted inspectors, becoming the council’s own ‘Team of the Year’ and a commendation at the Wigan Life Awards. As well as organising employment for over two hundred local people, they offer training and advice for anyone facing complex barriers to gaining and sustaining a job.

The awards’ night at Ince Town Hall saw over a hundred people, as well as their carers, parents and employers, enjoy a pie and pea supper, lively disco and raised over £700.00 for Wigan & Leigh Hospice and Derian House.
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