People with a disability in Dorset are to stand a better chance of getting work opportunities thanks to a new partnership between the council and national disability employment specialists, Pluss.

Pluss builds on people’s strengths and aspirations to develop skills and opportunities of training, voluntary roles and paid employment. It also offers coaching to ensure jobs are sustainable with individuals progressing in their chosen career.

The council has a legal duty under the Care Act to facilitate employment and volunteering opportunities to people with disabilities, and other vulnerable adults, and has awarded a three-year contract to Pluss from this spring.

The aim is to help 50 people through the partnership.

Cllr Peter Wharf, portfolio holder for Social Care and Health, said: “Some people have little or no aspirations which Pluss can unlock. Alternatively, others have the aspiration but do not know how to achieve it.

“The service will help people with practical advice and support from navigating a bus or train timetable, the etiquette of getting on a bus like having the money ready for the driver, to what is expected in a place of work.

“This contract will see people grow and become the best they can be and encourage businesses to get involved by assisting with easy read documents for example, which can be a barrier for some people before they even start.”

Neil Cattle, operations manager at Pluss, said: “We firmly believe, with the right support, there is a job out there for everyone.

“We are looking forward to working with communities and employers alike, both of whom will benefit greatly from the wealth of skills and talents so many people with a disability bring to the workforce every day.”

The council has also developed a ‘Pathway to Employment’ initiative offering four apprenticeships with the support of Pluss.

Previous support was only accessible to adults with a learning disability so the new service is expanding the number of people who can be assisted to include people with Care Act eligible needs.

The residents, which will include young people who transition to adulthood during the partnership, supported by Pluss will be referred by the council’s Adult Social Care teams.