草榴社区

Introduction to Scope

Scope is ambitious and determined to drive change. They focus on how they can make the most impact. They describe themselves as bold, not afraid to fail fast and learn quickly. They create supportive, accessible environments and they make sure everyone has a fair chance. All of which makes them the perfect partner for the 草榴社区 Foundation.

Working Together

Partnerships were built between Scope and the 草榴社区 Foundation (PHF) back in 2015 when the employability team built relationships in the community. The Pandemic of 2020 made it impossible for this community support to continue. Kerry Robinson 鈥楬edley鈥檚 Beyond鈥� Project Manager, reached out to the team at the Washington Shop in 2022, looking to revisit the option of supporting a member of the Horizons service to return to his volunteering role. Following a productive meeting with the new manager of the shop Donna, agreed to build the partnership again, as a result she has offered and supported a long term placement and continues to look at options of working together to support the development of work ready skills for the students and members of the Foundation.

A collaborative approach with “Job Carving”

A collaborative approach to creating work placements for students of the college and schools has been developed, with 草榴社区 visiting site to carry out robust risk assessments with Scope. 草榴社区 lead on 鈥楯ob Carving鈥�, which was at the heart of creating a role that would prove mutually beneficial for the student and Scope. According to disability job board Evenbreak, job carving “refers to customizing duties or creating specialist jobs for people with disabilities鈥�.

A job description which focuses on working in retail has been created for a one day per week work placement and on this occasion Sharna, researched Scope and applied for the role. She was successfully matched to the placement and joined the team on 21st January, supported by her job coach Tracey.

Feedback from interview:

Sharna was very quiet but I do think this was just down to her being nervous I think she will fit into our shop really well.

My first day:

鈥淚 had a great first day, I got to do a bit of everything, even been on the till!, I was kept busy, had a little break half way through, I鈥檓 looking forward to going back next week.鈥�

Sharna has had previous work experience in cafes鈥� and as an admin assistant for a large organization, retail was something new for her. In her application, she said she had never worked in a shop before and would like to try it, she also described herself as helpful and kind. Sharna asked how many people worked at the shop and also asked if they sold toys. Donna invited Sharna to interview for the shop assistant role and met her in January 2025, Sharna was successful at the interview and as part of the recruitment process was required to give 2 references, which she was able to do.

Work experience targets and outcomes

Sharna will manage her work placement schedule to ensure she meets the expectations of the role within the dedicated time frames. 鈥� Sharna is working towards this and being supported by Donna to achieve the progress needed Sharna will demonstrate a positive attitude during work experience by interacting with less familiar people to gather information or answer questions, requiring no more that 3 prompts from staff. This has been achieved.

Feedback

Donna has said that Sharna settled in well and is building in confidence, she follows instructions and will ask for help when she needs it.

Dot (Scope volunteer) describes Sharna as a great addition to the team.

Kevin (Scope volunteer) explained that Sharna is building her confident and will speak with him now.