Declan Claughan

Today, we’re celebrating International Easy Read Language Day. At DurhamEnable, we believe that information should be for everyone.

Megan Welton opens this special day with a powerful message about why Easy Read matters, especially to those who often go unheard.

Video transcript – Megan – Easy Read Language Day.pdf

Callum, one of our talented team members, designs graphics and symbols to help jobseekers understand important information more clearly. He’s created over 100 new symbols and interactive workbooks to support mental health. Watch Callum’s video to see how visual tools and clear layouts can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Video transcript – Callum – Easy Read Language Day.pdf

Carole shares her experience supporting deaf jobseekers. She explains how interpreters, remote technology, and real-time transcription tools help ensure no one is left behind.

Video transcript – Carole – Easy Read Language Day.pdf

Laura closes out the day with a message from someone who regularly uses Easy Read materials. She shares what makes information easier to understand and how that supports her confidence and independence.

Video transcript – Laura – Easy Read Language Day.pdf

We’re proud of the steps we’ve taken at DurhamEnable, but there’s still more to do. Whether you’re a business owner, an educator, or someone looking to make a difference consider how you can make your information easier to access.

Want to learn more or talk to someone about making your workplace more inclusive? Get in touch with us today!

Lee Leaves College After 25 Years Transcript.pdf

Spending 25 years in college, Lee, was ready to enter the workforce. Despite potential challenges due to physical limitations, Lee was determined to succeed. His opportunity came when he joined Manor House Hotel as a Kitchen Porter, a role that has since become much more than just a job to him.

From the very beginning, Lee’s character and work ethic made a lasting impression on Johnathon Cairns, General Manager at Manor House Hotel.

“Lee’s a real joker,” Johnathon recalls. “From day one, he’s been in that kitchen, eager to learn and take on more. He’s always calling, asking for extra hours because he’s so keen.”

Despite the physical demands of the job, Lee’s meticulous attention to detail has set him apart.

“His capability in terms of physical work could restrict him, but it doesn’t,” Johnathon explains. “He does everything better than anyone else because he knows where to focus his energy and attention.”

Charlotte Daglish, Engagement Officer at DurhamEnable, played a pivotal role in Lee’s transition into employment. She vividly remembers the first time she met him: “Lee’s personality just shone through. He’s really good at his job, and I think Manor House is really happy to have him because he’s such an amazing person to be around.”

Charlotte also highlights the significance of Lee’s employment, saying, “Lee had been in college for 25 years, but thanks to DurhamEnable, he no longer has to attend and now absolutely loves his job. I’m a bit jealous that the people at Manor House get to work with him every day!”

Lee’s journey at Manor House Hotel is a testament to the impact that inclusive employment can have on both the individual and the organisation. His passion for his work, combined with the support of DurhamEnable and the welcoming environment at Manor House Hotel has enabled Lee to thrive in his role.

Manor House Hotel’s commitment to inclusive employment has not only provided Lee with a rewarding job but has also enriched their team with his positivity and dedication. Lee’s story is a powerful example of how businesses can benefit from embracing diversity and supporting employees with disabilities.

If you need additional support getting into employment, start your DurhamEnable journey today by completing our referral form.

Daniel started on a bricklaying apprenticeship hoping that he could work while trying to manage his anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, the apprenticeship did not work out, and after six months in employment, he was out of work and visiting the job centre looking for employment.

At this point, Daniel was struggling with his self-confidence. He felt worthless, and the future felt daunting for him.

It was the Job Centre who suggested that Daniel refer himself to DurhamEnable as they supported people with disabilities, neurodiversity, and long-term health conditions. To begin with, Daniel thought that DurhamEnable was just like any another support service and was not sure referring himself would help at all.

However, the support that we offered, helped Daniel re-build his confidence brick by brick, and he realised that he wanted to work to support people who were in similar situations to his.

Although the work can be hard, Daniel never feels alone, and he enjoys helping and supporting people who are experiencing the same challenges that he did in the past. Daniel knows that if he’s struggling in his job, he has people he can ask for help and support.

James Dowson, Daniel’s DurhamEnable Job Coach, reflects, “When I met Daniel he seemed at a loss and was undermined by his doubt and anxiety, but I had a positive impression of him. I am sure initially Daniel felt that DurhamEnable was just another service, but he was quickly able to see beyond that to understand how the service could support him and help him see past the traumatic events in his past, which made him feel that he could not trust the world.”

“Once Daniel had regained his confidence and self-worth, he did not require a lot of support through the job application process and into work. I know that since he has started this job, he has had fantastic reviews from his manager, and we all feel that this job is a match made in heaven!”

“Daniel could not have been a better DurhamEnable client. He listened and did everything we asked of him. We are delighted that he is so successful in his job.”

“The difference in Daniel is like night and day, he is so confident and assured now.”

Daniel feels that he would not have achieved what he has without the support of DurhamEnable and recommends that anyone in a similar position to him should give DurhamEnable as try as it could change their life too.

He grew to trust James and felt as though the person-centred approach that James implemented really helped Daniel believe in his potential. Daniel has stated that James is a great asset to the DurhamEnable team and was fantastic to work with.

If, like Daniel, you would like support from DurhamEnable, you can start your journey today by completing our referral form.

Chris enriches the team at Manor House Hotel Transcript.pdf

Chris came to Manor House Hotel with a lot of experience, both in hospitality and life. His previous role as a Pool Assistant provided him with the skills needed to thrive as a Spa Host. However, Chris’s journey was not without its challenges, particularly due to his physical disability. The key to his success at Manor House was the support and understanding shown by the hotel’s management, especially General Manager, Johnathon Cairns.

Johnathon Cairns immediately recognised Chris’ potential. From the very first meeting, it was clear that Chris brought a warm, welcoming personality that resonated with both staff and guests.

“Chris has bags of experience in life, not just in hospitality,” Johnathon noted. “He’s a real warm character to be around.”

Chris’ role as a Spa Host involves not only interacting with guests but also taking on additional responsibilities such as training in reception and administrative tasks. Recognising the physical demands of the role, Johnathon and his team made key adjustments to ensure Chris could perform his duties safely and comfortably. These reasonable adjustments were essential in creating a supportive work environment tailored to Chris’ needs.

DurhamEnable Engagement Officer, Charlotte Daglish, played a crucial role in facilitating these adjustments. “He needed reasonable adjustments to ensure his health and safety were prioritised,” Charlotte explained. “Johnathon was one hundred percent on board with that. The physical barrier should never stop anyone from being in employment, and that’s exactly what Johnathon created here.”

Johnathon emphasised the importance of finding the right role for Chris, saying, “We would’ve moved Heaven and Earth to get him a job within the business. Whether it was one job or another, if it wasn’t going to work for him, we were going to find something because you can’t train what he’s got. We’re just chuffed to have him, really.”

Chris’ success at Manor House Hotel is a testament to the impact of inclusive employment practices. By focusing on Chris’ strengths and making the necessary adjustments, Manor House Hotel not only provided Chris with meaningful employment but also enriched their team with his invaluable presence.

Manor House Hotel’s approach serves as a powerful example for other businesses. With the right support and mindset, physical disabilities do not have to be barriers to employment. Chris’ story is a reminder that inclusivity in the workplace benefits everyone, fostering a more diverse, compassionate, and effective team.

If you need additional support getting into employment, start your DurhamEnable journey today by completing our referral form.

Riley Blossoms at Manor House Hotel.pdf

Riley’s journey began when she was selected for an eight-week placement at Manor House Hotel. Initially, she was reserved and uncertain about her role, as noted by Johnathon:

“She came in on that first initial show-around and was really attentive and really unsure of what she was trying to achieve.”

During her first tour of the workplace, Riley’s potential began to shine through in small but significant ways. Charlotte Daglish, an Engagement Officer at DurhamEnable, observed,

“She was very shy, very quiet, but she did little things, like she would open the door for me and let me go first. That was just the first little inkling, and I thought, ‘she’s going to fit in’.”

As Riley began working more shifts, her confidence grew rapidly. Johnathon made it a priority to place her in busier shifts to help her acclimate and build her skills. “Literally after the first shift, her confidence just blossomed,” Johnathon noted. Riley’s development was so sudden that when Charlotte returned for a review meeting, she was amazed at the transformation: “She served some coffee to me, and I couldn’t recognise her in terms of who she was at that initial meeting.”

The support Riley received from both Johnathon and DurhamEnable was key to her success. The structured environment, combined with the extra attention to her needs, allowed Riley to not only meet the expectations of her role but to exceed them. Charlotte’s observations captured this transformation: “I think she just owns the place if I’m being honest. I think she’s telling Johnathon what to do. I honestly love to see her now—it’s a completely different person.”

Riley’s journey is a testament to the impact that inclusive employment practices can have on individuals and businesses alike. The support she received enabled her to grow into her role with confidence, ultimately becoming a valued team member. Johnathon and his team at Manor House Hotel played a crucial role in this process, providing the necessary environment for Riley to thrive.

Through the partnership between Manor House Hotel and DurhamEnable, Riley was able to overcome her initial hesitations and develop into a confident, capable employee. As Charlotte put it, “She’s just comfortable where she is, and that’s all thanks to Johnathon and the extra support that we’ve offered.”

If you need additional support getting into employment, start your DurhamEnable journey today by completing our referral form.