A PROJECT which provides access to work for adults and young people with learning disabilities has won grant funding of £20,000.

Outside the Box in Ilkley recently launched its OTB Works project and this cash boost from the charity Igen Trust means it has now appointed a dedicated manager.

“This award from Igen Trust is a real boost,” said Graham Smith, chairman of Ilkley Community Enterprise Ltd, the local charity that runs Outside the Box. “We are passionate about helping our members, adults and young people with a learning disability, into work. Igen Trust was impressed by this commitment as well as our overall approach. We are very grateful for their support and very much look forward to working with them to successfully deliver the project. The funding they have provided will combine with our own investment to really drive forward OTB Works."

Jane Sanderson has recently taken up the role of project manager. She said: “We are really keen to hear from any organisations that may be able to offer work opportunities for our members. This could be a part-time job or a work experience or ‘taster’ opportunity. Equally we would like to involve employers or employees in sharing their insights on the world of work with our members, helping with mock interviews and learning more about our members and their skills, qualifications and abilities. We are keen to link with many different local organisations so that we together can give the widest possible experience and opportunity. If you think that you can help or would just like to know more about the project please do get in touch."

The project is currently running a Work Club for a group of members to help them prepare for paid employment. Emily Moorhouse, a member of the first OTB Work Club, said: “The Work Club has been really good, we have learnt lots about having a job and I now really want to find work. I would like to work in a cafe or similar ideally in Ilkley."

Outside the Box has recently presented OTB Works to the Ilkley Business Forum, has worked with local business Specsavers to place one its members Imogen Dickinson into part-time work and is planning to ‘sign up’ more local businesses to the project.

For all enquiries contact Jane Sanderson at Outside the Box on 01943 431173 or email janeotbworks@gmail.com

Outside the Box Café is a community café run by local charity Ilkley Community Enterprise Ltd. As well as a being a café open to all it provides training, work experience and a range of social and learning activities for adults and young people with learning disabilities. The Café is located at 2-4 Bridge Lane, Ilkley, LS29 9HN and is open seven days a week 9am to 4pm.