Morrison, a leading responsive repairs and maintenance provider for the housing sector, was approached by the Employability Project about providing a work placement for Ross, a 19 year old student from the Northern Counties School part of the Percy Hedley Foundation, at their Peterlee branch in Co. Durham. Morrison was delighted to offer Ross a placement of one day a week for six weeks which was extended for a further five weeks.Ross is deaf which presented a new challenge for the team. He was accompanied by Christine his Support Worker who communicated with him using British Sign Language, however Ross and the team soon found their own way to communicate effectively.The work placement helped Ross to develop confidence in his own abilities and he thrived in the warehouse. During his time with the Morrison team Ross tried different roles including organising and managing stock, delivering goods to houses, joinery and maintenance, general warehouse duties and data inputting.Ross completed a work diary each week and said: “I really enjoyed learning new skills, how to organise materials, painting and making gates and practicing communication. I would really like to work in a place like this.”Zoe McGrath, Morrison Customer Care Officer said: “Ross has really developed his communication skills, confidence and ability to work independently and with a team. We have loved having him as part of the team and I know his colleagues will miss him.”Christine Bone, Ross’s Support Worker said: “Ross’s confidence has grown in such a short time. He is friendly, professional, always happy to give things a go and keen to complete a task. Staff have taken to him and he’s a great ambassador for the school.”Morrison has been working closely with the Percy Hedley Foundation to provide work placements for young disabled people. Both organisations will continue to develop the relationship and support more young people in the future.
About MorrisonMorrison is a leading responsive repairs and maintenance service provider for the housing sector. Morrison looks after more than 400,000 homes and 4,000 public buildings nationwide on behalf of its clients, which include local authorities, housing associations, arms-length management organisations (ALMOs) and private companies. Morrison is part of the Mears Group.