Robert Buckland MP backs Building Bridges scheme for people with learning difficulties

The MP for South Swindon is teaming up with local partnership charity Building Bridge and Swindon Borough Council are calling for all local businesses to attend an employment engagement event at STEAM museum on Friday June 29.

Building Bridges is a programme which supports people across Swindon and Wiltshire overcome barriers to learning new skills and finding employment.

Robert explained: “Everybody should have the chance to succeed in their chosen career and having a disability should not prevent that.

“Swindon and Wiltshire have a wealth of people with valuable skills, abilities and potential who are being overlooked because employers are focusing on the barriers they face rather than the skills and attributes they could bring to the workplace.

Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for adults, said: “The Council’s Supported Employment Team are a part of the Building Bridges programme which supports people across Swindon and Wiltshire who are facing significant challenges in being able to develop their skills, access education or move towards the world of work.

We were only too happy to support this event as it provides us with a great opportunity to talk to local employers about the benefits of working with individuals with a disability or long-term health problems.

“It also gives businesses the chance to develop their future workforce and build a ‘talent pool’ to assist with succession planning. We can offer support to these businesses every step of the way.”

The Building Bridges Programme relies on volunteers and is funded by the European Social Fund and National Lottery via the Big Lottery Fund. It organises free support to businesses and potential employees to understand businesses’ requirements.

Local employers of any size interested in attending the event are being asked to email Robert Buckland’s office at Robert.buckland.mp@parliament.uk.