Riverside Stourbridge CIC - Learning Disabilities Provision

Riverside House, through its unique provision, can offer the important combination of a conducive environment, social context and meaningful and transformative activities, that can support, motivate, inspire and signpost the individual to future opportunities.

Our approach supports the development of soft skills such as teamwork, social skills and communication, which are typical barriers to future employment, education and training.

Our experience of running placements on site for the last 4 years has shown us the significant benefits that can be realised through time spent in the natural environment, applying attention and focus to tasks that have tangible outcomes to both the landscape and place. The clients we have worked with have gained confidence, self-esteem and purpose. Success, that we are confident, is transferable to clients referred by BCI.

Time spent working within a team is ideal for developing soft skills and reintroducing people to group work after periods of reduced social contact, especially relevant following lockdown. The clients within the teams will be consistent allowing for the establishment of friendship and familiarity, the staff support workers have regular days and bring with them their own skills and approaches to work that brings both structure and variety to the sessions. The team days also bring benefits of working across a broad range of projects.

Placements are suited to a wide range of clients. Young people not in education, work or training would benefit from this opportunity for regular placement working towards the goal of college qualifications and work experience.

Our staff and volunteer team support people from a variety of backgrounds and needs and are able to support people living with a learning disability, ASD and/or mental health challenges.