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 since 2015 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. We are confident that these positive changes are 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 the pandemic and the ongoing impacts of lockdown. The clients within the teams are consistent, creating a nurturing space to allow friendships and social connections to be made. The staff and volunteer support workers follow a regular pattern and bring with them their own skills and approaches to work that offer both structure and variety to the sessions.

Placements are suited to a wide range of clients. Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) could positively benefit from attending Riverside House as a regular placement; to gain a broad range of experience and increased confidence that could lead to 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.