Debbie is 41 years old and lives in Edinburgh and has written this case study in her own words. 

I recognised that there was a lack of organisations providing training and employment opportunities in the field of retail for people with learning disabilities. I learnt of this gap during my 13 years in charity retailing when asked constantly by many organisations if I could provide placements for people with learning disabilities. I provided placements to address the need but realised that this needed to be on a bigger scale and more person-centred. I felt I had the necessary skills, experience and contacts to address this need.

Key Facts

• Training & employment opportunities in retail for people with learning disabilities
• 17 trainees, finish placement Aug 2012. One full-time & two part time staff 
• Provides quality goods at affordable prices

Awards

• Level 1 award of £5,000 in July 2010 - completed
• Level 2 award of £20,000 in September 2011 - active

Journey High Points

• Secured charitable status, funding and support from Firstport and from Skills Path.  Got a more suitable shop than the previous one that had fallen through
• Lloyds - 11 buildings providing stock collections. PWC & HSBC provide regular stock donations
• Contract with Border’s College for “Ready for “Retail Award” accredited training programme
• Successful opening the shop in June 2011
• Successful joint fashion show with NECAG
• Free van/staff partnership set up for stock collections

Journey Low Points

• Needed charitable status before negotiating & securing a shop. Was granted it after 5 months after many e-mails, questions and answers but it delayed the whole process. Consequently lost the first shop (the deal fell through). This set me back a further 4 months as I had to find another suitable shop. This affected confidence in the project and could have affected funding. 

The Difference Made

My negotiating skills have improved and I have more contacts and partnerships with projects run by Edinburgh Council. I’ve learnt a lot about social care practices and have managed to run a successful enterprise (financially) whilst providing benefits to the trainees in the shop. 

Vital Firsport Ingredients

• The Level 2 award will help me take on a member of staff so I can drive the business forward. Emphasis will be on stock collections so business will be sustainable.  
• Firstport introduced me to a mentor from Lloyds Black Horse who has set up regular stock collections in their offices, links with volunteer organisations and have agreed to install a disabled toilet free of charge!

Future Prospects

The shop has exceeded financial targets by making approx. £1200 per week. We have 17 trainees, on their way to achieving their Skills Accreditation or Ready for Retail Award and have gained in confidence and self-esteem. We have a massive demand for places in our training centre/charity shop and will continue to work with Skills Path (part of Edinburgh Council), IntoWork and projects within the Edinburgh Council. These relationships have proved to be a successful and symbiotic so no changes are planned. New plans include setting up a mobile charity shop and E-bay account

 

 

 

 

 

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