EPL Strategic Partner, RED, wins Government Recognition
27/06/2009
RED has been highlighted in the Government's new report 'Valuing Employment Now: The Delivery Plan'. RED are thrilled to receive such recognition.
RED has been highlighted in the Government's new report 'Valuing Employment Now: The Delivery Plan'. RED are thrilled to receive such recognition.'We are glad the hard word, and creativity of RED and our participants has been recognised by Government. RED is a brilliant programme that can transform the life-chances of disabled people, their families, and their support workers.” Said Guy Turnbull of EPL & RED.
The RED Programme brings together experts from health, social care and social enterprise in a unique package based on combining business support and social care money. RED Workshops help people with disabilities turn their ideas into viable businesses. People using social services can then get support through their Individual Care Budgets to employ specially trained Support Workers to provide both care and enterprise support.
“Instead of using their care money to provide, say a place in a day centre,” said Carol Bell of RED, “This money can be used to support them into work and thus provide them something they most want plus a bigger income – a win win situation!”
A series of RED workshops have already been run across the UK, making a real difference to the lives of disabled people who have created a wide range of businesses from
“I found the course very helpful. I have wanted to set up my own business for a long time and now feel I can get out and do it”. Said Sheila Parke who took part in a RED workshop in Cornwall.
Paul joined a RED event in Durham. His idea was to help other people with their Person Centred Plans. Paul has since gone on to gain a part time job working for the Learning Disability Parliament.
“I like to be kept busy and my car washing venture will help me to remain busy and focused and this will hopefully help with the management of my personal issues. I ultimately want to be self employed as I know I have the determination and knowledge of car washing. I want to be a more valued member of my local community. Said Graham who founded Squeaky Clean Cars in London.
RED workshops have also been used for employment support staff In Cornwall RED ran a successful development programme for 15 Community Placement Officers. These staff, who orgnaise work placements, were trained to also consider self-employment and micro-enterprise development.
One participant commented “It made me 're-think' how we can use enterprise approaches and personal budgets to really support the service users to achieve their dreams
The people involved in RED can also help social services to modernise their day services and create enterprises, social firms, to employ disabled people.
Anyone interested in RED should
visit, www.redcic.com or
contact Carol Bell
t:0845 2500 543
e: carol.bell@redcic.com.
For further information or contact