Learning Disability Week - From working in a shop to life with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Supported employment provider Pluss have transformed the life of a young woman, enabling her to pursue her dream of working with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Pluss have helped Heather get ready for the workplace as she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. Having previously worked as a volunteer in a cafe in Poole, she was keen to try something different, such as working in a shop and undertaking training in retail and customer service.

Pluss worked with Prama Care, and the Blandford shop manager Sandy Miles was happy to take Heather on a trial to ensure she felt happy and comfortable in a shop environment. The trial went well, and Heather decided she wanted to do a work experience placement to become a retail assistant. She learnt many tasks; pricing clothing, working front of shop in the till area, window and manakin dressing as well as meeting and greeting customers.

But while Heather enjoyed the work experience, rather than considering this as paid employment, she said she was interested in working with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and had been following them online for some time.

Pluss contacted the charity, and at a subsequent meeting with its supporter engagement officer Becky Heath, it was clear that Heather was passionate about getting involved.

Tracey Spriggs, Pluss employment coach, said: "I was amazed at how much information Heather knew about the Air Ambulance - so was Becky - who at the end of the meeting asked Heather if she would like to complete an application form to be considered as a volunteer on the team. You can imagine how excited she was and this is exactly what we did on our next one to one meeting.

"After a few weeks we heard that Heather had been accepted as a volunteer. We then attended the first general meeting where Heather met all the volunteers, and they discussed events and fund raising. She was loving it and every now and then she would turn to me and say, "I can't believe this". I could have cried - seeing a person who is so passionate and focussed."

Heather was then asked to attend a day at the charity's headquarters at Henstridge where she met Peggy the Air Ambulance and her pilots and crew, learning about all the equipment they use to help airlift people to hospital. Since then, she has worked at a Donor Day, carrying out different tasks and helped with the charity's fundraising Coast to Coast bike ride, which runs from Watchet to West Bay. She has completed a defibrillator and other courses and hopes to move into some paid employment in due course.

However, she still spends a morning week with the Prama Care charity shop in Blandford as she likes being part of the team. 

"It just goes to show that with support and understanding and listening to that person what great results can be achieved. One email started this journey off with one very passionate young lady who knew what she wanted," said Tracey.

Becky added: "Heather has been a fantastic addition to the volunteering team in Dorset. Her enthusiasm and infectious laughter brighten any event she attends. The other volunteers always look forward to working alongside Heather and the crew feel very supported by her through her facebook interactions and time spent at the airfield. I am so pleased Heather has come on board as a volunteer with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance."

Julia Ingram, Dorset Council Adult Social Care (Operations) Director, said: "It is great to celebrate the things people with learning disabilities offer to society and I am so pleased to hear of Heather's enthusiasm and love of working with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and how this has been brilliantly facilitated by Pluss.

"It is so important that we ensure that people with learning disabilities in Dorset are able to thrive to the best of their abilities."

Ends