It’s a wrap – happy outcome for meal worker Ryan

An Oldham lad is one of 780 folks to overcome a flurry of problems and progress thanks to an Upturn programme.

Autism and other neurodiverse conditions meant that Ryan had endured a difficult education.

Given that just a fifth of people with autism, ADHD and other similar conditions are in work, his chances of progress were slim.

But a scheme named Local Change offered him a work taster at McDonalds at Elk Mill – and he is now working at the fast-food giant, full-time.

The aim of the National Lottery funded scheme was to improve the self-esteem and therefore the job prospects of some of the most marginalised people in society. These included carers and those with mental and physical health issues.

And as Upturn co-founder Maria Williams explained, that was never going to be achieved from a town-centre office.

“If you want to engage with people in most need you have to meet them where they are at” she said. “Some of those individuals are so disadvantaged they cannot afford the bus fare into town, are caring 24/7 for a sick relative, or have lost the confidence to even venture out of their front door.”

The battle to reach them included the employment of community workers from local organisations and the use of a new Upturn campervan – called appropriately enough, Hope.

Amongst the other achievements of the three-year-programme were:

• Securing work for 279 people
• Enrolling 429 people in education and training
• Helping 273 to improve their mental health and,
• Increasing the self-confidence and resilience of 719 participants

For Ryan who comes from a large family, that last factor proved particularly pivotal as he moved from alternative education into work. Grease monkey Callum travelled along that road, too. A difficult time at school could have choked his progress, but a placement at Jenkin’s Autos in Royton accelerated him onto a motor vehicle apprenticeship and paid work. 

Other participants in the programme, said:

“I never thought someone would give me a chance. Now I am training as a plasterer. I am proud of myself.”

“Upturn really listened. Not just about getting a job, but about life, money, everything that had got in the way.”

A visually impaired participant now working in the Probation Service, said:

“Upturn helped me build-up my CV, get funding for transport and prepare for the job interview I passed. “

All of those who got personalised life coaching, skills development, volunteering, and job search support, received aftercare from Upturn.

One of those participants concluded: “We don’t want handouts, we need long-term, realistic support that meets people where they are.”

And that’s exactly what they got.