Service helps people with social needs gain independence

DEVON County Council used Learning Disability Week last week to highlight the work of its Reaching For Independence (RFI) service, which supports people with social care needs to develop life skills and promote independence.

- 

The service offers short-term enabling support to people aged 17 and over with eligible social care needs or likely to have them.

It is focused on helping people gain the skills and confidence to live independently, to use community facilities and services independently, or to take up opportunities such as starting paid employment.

Over the past year, RFI has helped support more than 100 people into either paid employment or a work experience opportunity.

Among them is James, who is now starting his second season at Haven's Devon Cliffs holiday park near Exmouth, working as a food and drink delivery driver.

When applying for the role, James was supported by Paul Trimming, a community enabler from the RFI team.