Discovery Learning Disability Support

04/12/2025

☃️It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.... here in the Discovery Supported Employment office! 🎁

Our tree has officially made its holiday transformation — check out the beautiful before-and-after. 🎄

The festive season has definitely arrived!❄️

03/12/2025

💚When my colleague asked me today, “What are you most thankful for?” I gave the usual and very true answers: family, friends, health, laughter and happiness, however the question sat with me for a minute, and I started thinking more deeply about the choices I make every day… what I spend my money on, the food I enjoy, where I drive, how I live.

🌟I realised that what I’m truly grateful for is my independence, and even more than that, the privilege of living a life I choose. My parents supported every daft choice i made, as they were right beside me to support (if i needed it) I know that not everyone has that luxury. I’m acutely aware of how fortunate I am to shape my own world, and equally grateful that my job allows me to help others do the same.

☀️I absolutely love what I do at Discovery. We make a real difference, to individuals, families, workplaces, and communities. And for that, I’m profoundly thankful.

We are recruiting at the moment, check out our vacancies

Working For Us - https://discovery-uk.org/discovery-careers/

- Shona Howes Supported Employment Manager

02/12/2025

Join us on our online Disability Awareness Training sessions in December!

Our CPD accredited session, will increase your understanding of what it means to be autistic or have a learning disability. Delivered by a qualified trainer with lived experience and professional expertise as a Job Coach, this training is packed with actionable strategies.

This online session will help you:
🌟Understand what it means to be autistic or have a learning disability
💚Learn practical tips for creating inclusive workplaces
☀️Discover free and easy reasonable adjustments you can implement right away
👍98% of previous participants have rated our training as useful!

"The activities were fun and also prompted well thought-out discussions. The information was clear and to the point. A very well-thought-out presentation and an extremely passionate and knowledgeable presenter."
We have space available on two online sessions:

8/12/25 1pm-4pm
18/8/25 – 0930am-1230pm
Cost £40 per person

Spaces are limited! Sign up now for an informative session.
bit.ly/Disability_Awareness_Training




DSTPN
Somerset Education Business Partnership

02/12/2025

🌟 BCP Supported Intern Spotlight 🌟

Ella has been making waves during her rotation at Bournemouth Library! From clearing unwanted computer data in their library management system to supporting the day-to-day running of activities and events, she’s shown incredible dedication and skill.

Her manager shared this glowing feedback:

“So far Ella has worked diligently and quickly at tasks given to her, understanding what is needed from her and why and making progress towards targets at a faster than anticipated pace. We’ll be looking to assign more tasks to give a wider, more interesting range of experience and challenge.”

👏 Keep up the amazing work, Ella! Your professionalism, accuracy, and output make you a true asset to the programme. We can’t wait to see you develop even further in Rotation 2 and the exciting future you have ahead!

01/12/2025

We're playing along with our friends and colleagues at Dimensions. Let us know how long you last!

🎵 It's nearly time!

We are playing . If you hear the original version of Last Christmas after Monday 1st
December until midnight on Christmas Eve you are out.

Let us know how long you last. Share with your friends and good luck!

27/11/2025

Our colleagues at Dimensions have simplified the to help people understand the main changes.

26/11/2025

Dave Balian, the head gardener from Chalice Well, visited today to speak with our interns at Strode College about conflict resolution. He introduced them to practical tools for navigating inner conflict as well as challenges that may arise at work, at home, or in public.

Drawing from his experience in Aikido—a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba—Dave explained how its principles can be applied to everyday life.🌟

25/11/2025

🎄LOVEABLE CHRISTMAS PARTY ALERT🎄

Santa has officially ditched the sleigh and jumped on the decks… which can only mean ONE thing…The annual Loveable Christmas Party is HERE! 🎉

Join us on Thursday 11th December, 7–9pm at the CICCIC Centre, Taunton for a night of:

✨ Big festive vibes
🎅 Tunes from the legendary DJ CHE
🎵 Dancing, silliness & sparkly chaos
🥧 Raffle and mince pies!

Wear your best Christmas jumper, your sparkliest outfit, or just come as you are 🩷

See you there Fam 🧑‍🎄 ✨ 🎄

24/11/2025

📣 Local Businesses – Can You Help?

If you’re a business who could offer a meaningful placement—or you know someone who might—please get in touch. Even a small opportunity can make a huge difference to someones skills, confidence, and future employment.
Thank you for supporting inclusive employment in our community! 💼✨

About our intern:
🌟Interested in Admin/Office Support roles
💚Quick learner with excellent organisational skills
💻Uses clear and professional vocabulary
⭐Reliable, dedicated, and keen to develop

📍 Location: She can travel up to 1 hour by bus from Cheddar, so anywhere with an easy, direct bus route would be ideal.

Please Contact Erin.Hughes@Discovery-uk.org

20/11/2025

We were pleased to host the Somerset Disability Confident Employer Network at Bridgwater YMCA, led by the DWP. It was a privilege to support the event and share how supported employment helps create inclusive workplaces.

The session sparked great conversations about:
✅ Accessible recruitment
✅ Demonstrating inclusive practice to staff and applicants
✅ Growing confidence on the Disability Confident journey
✅ The value of awareness training with lived experience, offering practical steps to support neurodivergent colleagues

Thank you to everyone who joined us — including Somerset Council , Bishop's Palace & Gardens , Seetec , ADD, and the Somerset Disability Confident Network Team for bringing everyone together. Collaboration like this drives real change across Somerset.

If you’d like to partner with us, access training, or become a Disability Confident employer, let’s connect!

19/11/2025

Do you have a passion for helping others—whether that’s learning new skills, building confidence, or taking steps toward greater independence?🌟

Does a role where no two days are the same excite you?🎉

Are you looking for flexible working options, with both full-time and part-time hours available?

Discovery is seeking enthusiastic Community Connector to join our fantastic Outreach Team, supporting people across Street and Yeovil.

Then this is the job for you!

Apply Here: https://www.discoverycareers.uk/job/community-connector-4920

18/11/2025

✨ Discovery Supported Employment at the Somerset Connector Event ✨

On the 11th November we joined the excellent Your Partnerships Somerset Connector event at Taunton Racecourse and what a morning it was!

It was fantastic to connect with so many employers, partners, and familiar faces, including Robert Dakin, David Popely, Helen Hutt, David Brock, Nathan Rayner, Will Hall-Tomkin, Georgina Bennett, Paul Stevenson, Gerry Bolt and many more. These events really do feel like a blend of community and collaboration, where relationships lead to real opportunity.

As the Discovery Supported Employment team, we were there with a clear purpose:
💼 to network with employers,
🤝 to build meaningful partnerships, and
♿ to share how we can support organisations to build truly inclusive workforces.

From in-work support and reasonable adjustments, to supported internships, job coaching, workplace training and crisis referrals for employees who may be struggling, our focus is always the same:
✅ helping employers to recruit, support and retain disabled and neurodivergent talent
✅ strengthening workplace confidence around inclusion
✅ creating job outcomes that work for both people and business

We’re excited to already see interest and conversations grow, and to be part of a network that is shaping opportunity across Somerset.

If you’re an employer looking to strengthen inclusion, or curious to find out how we can work together, we’d love to talk.

📩 Get in touch to explore support, training or partnership opportunities.



Thank you Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Your Partnerships for creating such a valuable space to connect, collaborate and drive change.