Advocacy Information & Advice—Employment & Careers Guidance

Finding employment and careers guidance

For the address of your nearest Jobcentre, which has job vacancies, look up Employment Service in the telephone book. The Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) at Jobcentres is specially trained to help you deal with problems associated with disability or illness, including mental health problems.

There are also projects and groups which provide sheltered work and rehabilitation and help with self-employment.

Many people with mental health problems find that volunteering is rewarding in itself and can be a way back into mainstream employment. The volunteer centres and bureaux match volunteers with organisations. In addition, it is worthwhile approaching local voluntary groups direct.

Careers guidance

For further information, advice and guidance about training and work opportunities, please contact the following agencies.

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to help adults consider their learning and work options is available from a number providers in the Huntingdonshire Area.

If you would like to know about where you can begin to learn a new skill, improve an old one or maybe just learn more about something you enjoy then contact one of the IAG Partners listed below. You can also contact the National Helpline (Learndirect) on 0800 100 900 or check out www.cambsiag.org.uk or www.camlearn.net

Help is also available to anyone who wants to consider returning to work, moving to another job or changing career.

Cambridgeshire Libraries contain a wealth of information on learning and work, just come in a browse. If you do not see what you need, ask.

Local Contacts

Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services and Projects
3 Lincoln Court
Lincoln Road
Peterborough
PE1 2RP

Tel: 01733 342683/311016
Email: pcvs@pcvs.co.uk
Website: www.pcvs.co.uk

PCVS exists to support the local voluntary sector within the Peterborough Unitary Authority by providing free information, advice and support, practical help (meeting rooms, office services and book-keeping) and networking.

The organisation also manages a number of projects e.g. Shopmobility, Carers Centre, Volunteer Centre, Domestic Violence Forum, User Carer Support, Parent to Parent Befriending Scheme, GP Liaison and Breaking Barriers. Services are aimed at a wide range of needs; disability, carers, mental health, ethnic and community. The services provided for mental health users will depend on the individual case and type of support required. Referral can be via Health and Social Services, other voluntary agencies and self-referrals. The services are provided by post, phone, home visits and office appointments at their premises. The provision of transport is discussed on an individual basis. Volunteers help to run PCVS reception, The Shopmobility scheme and other PCVS administration. Office hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-1pm Fridays. There is an answerphone for all other times. Appointments must be arranged in advance. The premises are fully accessible to disabled people - the ramp must be requested.

Peterborough Jobcentre
Frobisher House
72 Westgate
Peterborough
PE1 1RR
Telephone: 01733 415500
Textphone: 01223 545016

Richmond Fellowship
Employment Service
4th Floor
New Priestgate House
57 Priestgate
Peterborough
PE1 1JW

Tel: 01733 897111
Website: www.richmondfellowship.org.uk

Peterborough provides a range of integrated services including employment advice, a community magazine project offering work placements, printing and contracting activities and a wide training programme.

Peterborough has some funding to develop a Retain service - supporting people in work to retain their positions.

Westcombe Industries
Peterborough City Council - Adults Social Care Department
Westcombe Square
Royce Road
Peterborough
PE1 5YB

Tel: 01733 746305
Email: info@westcombe.industries.com
Website: www.westcombeindustries.com

Westcombe Industries provides supported employment, training and work experience for disabled people in the Peterborough area. There is also assistance with job search and ongoing support into open employment. The aim of the programme is to assist people to move towards paid employment. The services are aimed at adults of working age with physical disabilities and/or mental health problems, who require support to take up employment. Suitable work placements are found for individuals to experience employment in a work environment that meets their needs. There are currently placements in a wide range of jobs including retail, clerical, domestic, manufacturing and care work. Clients can refer themselves directly or through the Job Centre/Social Services and can speak to an Employment Advisor who will discuss needs and answer any questions. Westcombe is open 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Their premises are fully accessible to disabled people.