WORKBRIDGE on Bedford Road in Northampton celebrates its ruby anniversary on 10 June 2020. In these uncertain times, Workbridge would like to say thank you to Northampton’s business community for their continued support over the past 40 years – from charitable donations, volunteering days at Workbridge to offers of work placements for service users in the workplace.
Workbridge is a charity and a social enterprise helping people with mental illnesses, learning disabilities, autism and brain injuries develop life and work skills. It also has an award-winning garden centre, coffee shop and a charity shop on Bedford Road.
Kate Allen, Employment Support Coordinator at Workbridge, says a major factor in the success of Workbridge has been the business community, who have been supportive since day one in offering service users valuable work experience in their workplace.
“Workbridge provides a bridge to work for people who would otherwise struggle to access employment independently,” said Kate. “People with disabilities and mental health conditions often face complex barriers into employment, including stigma and discrimination. The partnerships we have formed with both large and small employers in Northampton have helped many of our people into secure and meaningful employment.
“We would like to thank local businesses who have worked with us over the years, who have offered employment opportunities to our service users and continue to support us to this day.”
Notable businesses to have supported Workbridge service users over the years into work placements and employment include Michael Jones Jeweller, Barclaycard, Stanley Black & Decker, The University of Northampton, DHL and Daily Bread Cooperative.
Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Workbridge has postponed its 40th anniversary craft fair event on 16 May. The retail outlets are also temporarily closed until further notice.
For further information about Workbridge and how it supports people with life and work skills at its centre in Northampton, follow on social media @workbridgeuk and visit the website www.workbridge.org.uk