Finding a rewarding job is fundamental part of everyone’s life; sadly, for adults with learning disabilities (AWLD) this can sometimes be an impossible task. Riverwood, based in Greenwich, is helping to overcome this. The organisation combines environmental benefits with supported training for AWLD to help them to develop skills to enter the workforce.

Riverwood works closely with the Port of London Authority, collecting driftwood from the Thames that would otherwise have been sent to landfill. This is then turned into unique items of garden furniture and decorative items for the home. These have a huge interest factor, and are sold at local markets, events and on commission. For the AWLD working on them, the work is an opportunity to learn valuable skills in a range of areas – not just working with wood, but also team-work and getting on with each other, which are essential if they are to find employment outside of Riverwood. At the same time, Riverwood recognises that its beneficiaries and future employees with learning disabilities will never overcome their disability. Riverwood can offer continued support throughout their working life and position itself to be the sympathetic employer.

Becoming more involved in the wider community is one of Riverwood’s current goals. By appearing at more community events and involving the local community in its activities, Riverwood hopes to raise the profile of AWLD as well as showing that people with learning disabilities have a lot of good and beneficial qualities to offer.

Case study issued in November 2005