Promoting employment for adults with learning disabilities has been on the agenda in the Isle of Man for many years and recently the “Valuing Employment Now” campaign has pushed the UK government to put employment on its agenda. Here on the Island, Government initiatives have been developed such as the Disability Employment Services. They look at trying to progress employment opportunities. The Department has to respond to the increasing expectation of young adults with a learning disability who want meaningful employment after they have finished school or college. As a result employment opportunities at two centres namely Eastcliffe Resource Centre ERIC and Greenfield Garden Centre have been created. We know by talking to young adults with learning disabilities that they have paid employment high on their agenda. Our day centres for adults with learning disabilities have been developing employment opportunities, and a new structure in Day Services based on the ‘Social Firm Model’ has been set up (Social Firm UK). This initiative will see joined up working under one banner with a training/skill centre using a framework that is acknowledged by employers such as an NVQ; paid and voluntary employment opportunities whereby those who have reached a certain standard of work can then become trainers themselves, along with Learning Disabilities Supported Employment Services. Minister for Social Care said: “The Department is constantly striving to broaden its range of services for learning disabilities. We are conscious that the expectations of individuals and families has risen substantially as more and more of our Learning Disability service users seek to secure employment and services. Securing employment will enable them to live full and rewarding lives and I am sure this is going to be a wonderful project teaching new skills, qualifications and offering paid employment. Times are going to become even harder for the Department of Social Care in terms of our financial constraints and it is heart warming to see those with a disability wanting to contribute towards our Island society.” It is with this latter part of this new initiative that Manx MENCAP have entered into partnership with the Department’s Day Services and have donated ?30,000 to develop the supported employment services. Mrs Edna Ainge MBE, Chairman of MANX MENCAP said: "Manx Mencap continues to try and offer opportunities and choices to our members to enable them to reach and fulfil their potential, particularly in the workplace. We hope that this partnership with the Department of Social Care will ensure that people with learning disabilities will be empowered through the 'Social Firm' model to enter into gainful employment wherever possible". - ENDS -