Dunsters Farm & Bury Council Partner to support local People into Work

Did you know? We’ve been partnering with Bury Council, to offer a work placement scheme to disabled & disadvantaged people in the region and helping them find more independence.

The Work Placement Programme is organised in partnership with Bury Council’s Employment Support & Training, offering six-week long placements to those individuals in the region who wish to increase their employability, social skills, and ultimately leading them into further independence.

So far we’ve completed two full work placements through the programme, since starting our partnership with the Council at the beginning of this year.

Gavin’s time at Dunsters

Gavin, our most recent employee introduced to us via Bury EST, has been placed with Dunsters Farm for the past 8 weeks.

Working every Monday 10am – 2pm, Gavin has been working within in our depot at Waterfold Park Bury, supporting the Warehouse team, receiving deliveries, general warehouse work and manual handling.

Gavin has had a really positive impact on the team, with an infectious enthusiasm and strong work ethic, and in turn, alongside the support of Bury EST’s Placement Officer Bev Glenhome, Gavin has gained a lot from his work placement – building his confidence and prospects for the future.

“The scheme is brilliant thing to be involved in, it helps people like Gavin to come into a setting like ours, see what it’s like to be in a warehouse and gain a feel for the work.

Stuart Winn, Warehouse and Stock Supervisor, said of Gavin’s placement;

“During his time with us Gavin has grown in confidence. Coming into an unfamiliar environment can be daunting but Gavin has taken the role on great and has developed his knowledge working safely and in a team. We wish you all the best on your next adventure Gavin!”

Bev Glenholme, Gavin’s Placement Officer from Bury EST said of Gavin-

“Before Gavin started with BURY EST, he was shy at first but now his confidence has grown. Dunsters Farm has been great for Gavin, he feels like one of the team with his Dunsters Farm jumper and hi vis jacket. He really looks forward to coming into work on a Monday. Your staff Stuart and Paul and the rest of them have been brilliant in supporting Gavin and making him feel welcome in the workplace, I also hope that we can continue working with you as we need more employers like yourselves to help people with a disability to feel valued.”

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said-

“We are delighted to be working with Dunsters Farm on this tremendous initiative. Everyone deserves the opportunity to show what they can do, and this scheme is a great example of how we can help people learn new skills, obtain employment and build their independence.”

For more information about the scheme head over to www.bury.gov.uk/buryest