Employment - Adult Learning Disabilities

ACRE was founded in 2014 with support from the Department of Health: Autism Innovation Fund. The centre is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Psychology at the University of Portsmouth and Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council.

Since then, ACRE has conducted research and developed evidence-based resources to improve employment opportunities for autistic people.

Tucked into Portsmouth Central Library, Lily & Lime is a relaxed place to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and support our work with people with learning disabilities.

Enjoy a delicious panini and a barista hot drink or give yourself an afternoon treat with one of our homemade cakes.

Lily & Lime is more than a relaxed, friendly café - it’s a thriving community hub where you can get together, socialise, and meet our welcoming team.

Dozens of people with learning disabilities run our cafés and provide top quality event catering - learning new skills, developing social skills and working towards more independent futures.

We are proud to be part of local charity Minstead Trust, which supports 320 people from Poole to Portsmouth.

Our Lifeworks programme offers tailored employability support to Armed Forces veterans and the families of those currently serving. Courses and support are tailored to suit the requirements of those who need it and our specialist advisors are on hand throughout your journey to help you find an opportunity that is right for you. On completion of the course you will have an internationally recognised SQA qualification.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Our 4 day courses are held both across
the country and virtually, ensuring our
skills and expertise reach every corner of
the UK. Including:
• Coaching for change – covering how to
navigate new situations and make them
work for you
• CV building and writing – how to
showcase skills
• Completing application forms – how to
demonstrate interest
• In-depth interview preparation –
managing nerves and difficult questions
• Recruitment cycle – to help better
understand the processes
• Mock interview and feedback – with
a specific industry and an experienced
recruiter with feedback
• Vocational assessment by a trained
assessor – specialist assessment tools
to help determine what is best for the
individual
Lifeworks has a team of highly
skilled support staff, assessors,
and trainers with many years
of experience in helping those
with close links to the Armed
Forces back into employment
or training.
AFTER THE COURSE
After attending a course, the Lifeworks
team are still here to support. We’ll be in
contact at regular intervals and available
to help in any way we can. Whether it’s
an informal chat to learn about your
progress, or if you need a hand with a job
application, we remain on-hand to help.
WHO IS IT FOR?
No matter the military affiliation, how
long served, or current circumstances;
whether you have served in the Navy,
Army or RAF, Lifeworks is here to help you
reach your career goals. Ex-servicemen
and women are all eligible for help.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The courses are free as they are funded
by organisations keen to assist us in
providing support to those we help.

Our mission at The Right to Work CIC is focused on making a difference in the lives of those with learning disabilities. Working with local businesses, we provide meaningful opportunities for our ‘Supported Volunteers’ to contribute their talents, enthusiasm and willingness to learn new skills whilst at work – in doing so individuals are making a valuable contribution within the community.

The Into Work service aims to help people with a learning disability to build their confidence and independence to overcome any hurdles people face in getting a job. 

We also have a Autism and Neurodivergent (AND) Employment Worker who is supporting people 18+, PO1-PO6 postcode.

We can support people with CV’s, interview practice, at an interview and on the Job Support when the individual starts a role.