• Skip to subnav
• Skip navigation
• Text only
• Site map
• Email updates
• Home

• What we do
• Jobs
• Our stories
• Support us
• Press
• Campaigns
• Contact us

• What we do
• Learning disability
• Mental health
• UR First
• Supported employment
  • Supported employment services
    • Working with employers
    • How we work
    • Pat’s story
  • Social enterprise
  • Learning and skills development
  • Where we work
• About United Response
• Working with families
• UR Sorted
• UR Consultants
• Krumbs
• A Break in the Park
• Videos
• Resources

• Change how you access this website
• Pages with easy words and pictures

Pat's story

Pat moved up the ladder recently when she got a promotion at her place of work.

Pat secured a job at a residential home as a cleaner in November 2005. This was after a successful placement there. The Trafford Supported Employment Service supported Pat into the role. She was so good at it, she was promoted. This means she now also works one day a week as a social therapy activities assistant.

A social therapy activities assistant helps people to engage in meaningful activities. Pat's excellent people skills have landed her this role as well as her role as a cleaner.

These sessions might be sensory activities, such as musical therapy, massage or gardening. Or they could be trips into the community to use public transport to shop, have a meal in a café or enjoy leisure activities such as bowling.

Pat’s responsibilities include helping residents who have limited mobility, such as pushing a wheelchair, and ensuring that every person gets the most out of sessions, living a full and active life.

“I love it,” Pat says, “I really enjoy spending time with the residents and it’s better than cleaning!”

“Pat’s enthusiasm and bright personality brings a smile to the faces of all she comes into contact with,” said Laura Ashton, Stockdale’s assistant chief executive. “She takes great pride in her job and loves to interact with our residents, as they love her being around. It made sense to extend her skills into another area where she could spend more time with the residents and learn new skills. Her energy is contagious!”

Gemma Thompson, Pat's job coach says, “It’s such a pleasure to work with people like Pat, who are so keen to be involved and to work hard. In the past, many people with learning disabilities found it very difficult to find paid work because of employers’ misconceptions, so to take part in something which is bringing new hope and satisfaction into people’s lives is immensely worthwhile.”