Developing work and employment opportunities

Solution
Developing work and employment opportunities
Organization
First Step Trust
Country of Implementation
United Kingdom
Region
Europe
Subregion
Western Europe
First published
31.12.2012

The "Socially Minded and Responsible Trading" (SMaRT) business model enables First Step Trust (FST) to develop work and employment opportunities for people with mental health conditions and other disabilities. In 2012 FST had three garages and two restaurants creating independent, sustainable income streams.

Solution details

People

Ronnie WILSON Website
“SMaRT has given me my life back. Before coming here I felt as though I was useless - nothing! Now I'm on top again.” Workforce member

SMaRT creates independent, sustainable income streams. FST now has three garages and two restaurants delivering the SMaRT approach. The approach is being taken into finance and office administration. Garages provide on-the-job training in motor mechanics, marketing and promotions, and customer service. Restaurants provide qualifications and work experience in catering to the public and the trade. SMaRT is about using viable businesses to ensure that FST is able to continue providing work opportunities for people who are normally excluded from state and voluntary sector support because of their illnesses or disadvantages. SMaRT gives people some control over their situation, seeing them as assets, allowing them to access the responsibilities, pressures and expectations of ordinary work and motivating them to make real changes to their lives and gain more control over symptoms. SMaRT creates independent, sustainable income streams. FST now has three garages and two restaurants delivering the SMaRT approach. The approach is being taken into finance and office administration. Garages provide on-the-job training in motor mechanics, marketing and promotions, and customer service. Restaurants provide qualifications and work experience in catering to the public and the trade. SMaRT is about using viable businesses to ensure that FST is able to continue providing work opportunities for people who are normally excluded from state and voluntary sector support because of their illnesses or disadvantages. SMaRT gives people some control over their situation, seeing them as assets, allowing them to access the responsibilities, pressures and expectations of ordinary work and motivating them to make real changes to their lives and gain more control over symptoms. “S” (Workforce member).

Related information

Connections
2

Solutions with the same:

Country of Implementation

United Kingdom

Region of Implementation

Europe