|TOP|A project run by the Church of Scotland in Lanarkshire, Scotland, that has offered support services for adults with learning difficulties for more than ten years has been awarded a grant of £79,000 by the EU’s European Social Fund (ESF).

Threshold South Lanarkshire enables adults with learning difficulties to maximise their full potential in the wider community through the community support services it offers, including more supported access to colleges, libraries, social venues, shops, sports activities, churches and employment.

The much needed cash boost, made available under the Scottish Objective 3 Programme, will be spread over one year and will be used to finance the Threshold Initiative for Meaningful Employment (TIME) scheme.

TIME is a specialist project that aims to overcome the lack of relevant work experience and qualifications that tends to characterise those with learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders.

|AD|The TIME project will bring together 30 individuals most at risk from long-term unemployment from the East end of Glasgow and from South Lanarkshire to take part in a range of vocational training programmes, as well as a four-week work placement programme and intensive job search support.

The co-ordinator of Threshold South Lanarkshire, Mr Alan Carmichael, welcomed the new ESF grant: “Some people think of getting a job as something that can very easily be done, but entering the world of work can be a massive challenge for those living with Asperger’s Syndrome or learning difficulties.

“TIME offers those who might otherwise never even apply for a job the opportunity to access training and get into the jobs market.”

The project will also provide participants with support in CVs and application forms as well as provide the job-hunters with an interview supporter to aid communication at interviews.

TIME aims to bring 15 of its participants into employment following completion of the one-year project. It is hoped that 12 will progress to further education and training and the remaining 3 will move into the voluntary sector.

The welcome cash injection spurred on more funding for the TIME project which was able to win over £95,000 of additional financial support. The ESF funding is due to commence on Apr. 1.

Threshold South Lanarkshire is a specialist project operated by Crossreach (the Church of Scotland’s Social Care Council) and based at Wellhall Road, Hamilton, near Glasgow.