The Isobel Rhind Centre in Invergordon is currently looking for local businesses, organisations and charities to collaborate with to create employment and development opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
The centre is passionate about giving supported people the chance to be a part of their communities and give something back, improving their self-worth and developing leadership, teamwork and social skills as a result.
Currently they have a volunteer that works alongside the centre’s handyperson, helping with cleaning tasks and other maintenance like checking weekly water temperatures and ensuring soap and hand sanitising stations are filled. The Isobel Rhind Centre’s community shop also supports individuals with gaining retail experience in a supported environment, and developing skills like money handling.
To further aide supported people in becoming active members of their communities, the team want to increase opportunities for socialisation and developing employment skills by offering voluntary work experience placements outwith the centre. For example, at Blythswood Care Depot in Evanton, supported people gain experience using stock control equipment to categorise CDs, DVDs, and video games. They take great pride in knowing they have helped Blythswood raise money for charity.
A recent project the team have been involved in is candle making. Currently, two local venues sell candles made by supported people and the effect on their morale and confidence has been huge. One carer reported back, saying: “My son is so much better now, he is no longer depressed and has something to do that he seems to love.”
