Learning Disabilities prove no barrier for Entrepreneurs!

Sept. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- The UK has an estimated 800,000 adults with learning disabilities of working age, of which only 11% have a paid job. Many are part time ones. Despite this, people with Learning Difficulties are motivated to explore work opportunities.  Entrepreneurs amongst them frequently explore the option of self-employment.

Robin Bush, Managing Director of Preston based, outreach and supported living provider, Living Ambitions and his team have been working hard to provide support  and development for this lesser known function of their ‘person centred’ approach.

“The concept of people with Learning Disabilities running their own businesses and helping with economic growth” comments Robin “ is perhaps, not well known outside industry circles. But with the recent closures at Remploy” he continues “more and more people with Learning Disabilities are turning to self- employment”

Living Ambitions have supported many Entrepreneurs to set up their businesses with the help and advice of Lancashire County Council Learning Disability Partnership and various Charitable Organisations such as Mencap and *MI Enterprise, which provides business advice and support to people with Learning Difficulties.

“From a Fundraising Company and Garden Furniture Company to A Dance Group and Baking Company” adds Robin “Self –employment, although not easy to develop, is flourishing amongst people with Learning Disabilities. They are finding the experience a positive one, and gain both confidence and ability, whilst becoming socially and economically included.”

Budding Entrepreneurs from any walk of life don’t always succeed and make money, but for these ‘Social Enterprises’ making money is not the initial aim. Meaningful employment for one person or many people can make a substantial difference to their lives. Some Enterprises are so successful that they are creating employment and/or volunteering opportunities for people with or without learning disabilities, others are attracting funding and resources to expand and grow proving there are no barriers if you want to succeed!

For further information on ‘Self –Employment’ for people with Learning Disabilities and ‘person centred’ ‘supported living’ and ‘outreach’ services in general please contact:

Robin Bush
Living Ambitions
38 Brownedge Road,
Lostock Hall, Preston, Lancashire               
PR5 5AD
Tel: 01772 310 280   Fax: 01772 378 796
E-Mail: admin@livingambitions.co.uk
Web: www.livingambitions.co.uk


Notes for the Editor:
•   *Registered as an excellent 3* provider with the Care Quality Commission, Ofsted and the Social Care Inspectorate the organisation is also a preferred social care provider of Lancashire County Council, Wigan and Salford. With demand for ‘Supported Living’, ‘Outreach’ and a variety of innovative services from support providers increasing, as local government comes under financial pressures, the organisations move to Preston ensures its infrastructure is best placed to respond to its support services.

•   *Based on Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall, in Preston, Lancashire, the organisation has been an innovative provider of social care services for over 20 years. Originally part of the Watson Healthcare Group operating in Salford & Greater Manchester, it now focuses on developing small bespoke services for individuals of all ages in their local communities throughout the North West

•   * MI Enterprise is a Community Interest Company based on a co-operative model. It provides Business Support and Advice to people with Learning Disabilities  www.mienterprise.org.uk