Award for supporting young people with a learning disability

Sewell FM has won an award for offering paid employment opportunities to young people with a learning disability.

Last year, the business joined forces with the Hull branch of national charity Mencap, giving young people supported by the charity full and part-time cleaning roles in offices and schools across Hull.

Since then, the charity has noted significant positive changes in the young people, seeing them grow in confidence, self-esteem and respond well to increased levels of responsibility.

Now, Sewell FM has been awarded Employer of the Month by Mencap’s National Employer Engagement Team in recognition of the partnership and employment opportunities provided.

Tom Farrow, Operations Manager at Sewell Facilities Management, said: “We were delighted to win this award in recognition of the fantastic partnership we have with Mencap. Offering these employment opportunities is something we feel very strongly about and we’re very keen for this partnership to continue and grow.”

Sam McCarthy and Elliot Parkinson are currently supported by Mencap and employed by Sewell FM as part-time cleaners across three sites in Hull. Sam is based at Freetown Court and the Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC), while Elliot’s role is at Endike Academy.

Kerrie White, Locality Manager for Mencap, said: “This award recognises Sewell FM’s complete commitment to working with us and the full support they have given to the young people involved. For us, it’s making a massive difference. I look at Elliot and Sam and how much they’ve progressed within the Sewell family.”

Sewell FM and members of staff have also been nominated for awards at the This Ability Awards which take place in May.