A YOUNG man with a learning disability has found his dream job thanks to a life-changing course and an inspiring tutor.

The first Big Tea Party in Worcester took place at the university on Wednesday to raise awareness about the support available for people with learning disabilities and their families. One of the guests was Jason Kelly who says he has benefited from the excellent support available and wants to do what he can to raise awareness so others can enjoy the advantages of this support.

The tea party, organised by Mencap, took place at the Cotswold Suite at the University of Worcester’s St John’s Campus. It was an opportunity for people with learning disabilities to socialise and enjoy refreshments but also to raise awareness about the support that is out there and the difference it can make.

Jason Kelly, aged 23, of Worcester has Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD and also suffers from anxiety.

However, he has found new confidence and purpose thanks to a course organised by Mencap, teaching him ‘functional skills’ in maths and England and helping him to find a job.

Jason was able to secure work at the Countryside Centre in Worcester after he completed the year-long course.

He said: “I got my first paid job. It’s given me a chance to see what it’s like in the working world. It has given me more confidence. I hope more people can benefit like I have. It has been really, really valuable for me.”

His tutor, Matt Gunter, even travelled with him on the train from Worcester to Kidderminster where he took the course and helped him prepare for his job interview.

There he performed the role of a caretaker which included litter picking, safety checks on equipment, changing the bins and making the rounds with the rangers, helping with logging coppicing, maintenance and tending to English long horn cattle.

He is now getting paid to look after animals, including race horses, for his former foster family and said he would like to continue working with animals which he said was 'a dream come true'.

Mr Gunter. 37, said: “I have seen him grow up. As well as seeing an improvement in Jason he’s able to inspire other people. It’s really nice to be able to present yourself as an example of being really positive and making the most of your situation.”

He said one of the most important things Jason had learned was that he could ask for help and that he did not see that as a weakness. Jason admitted in the past pride had sometimes stopped him asking for help.

Mr Gunter said he had seen Jason transform from someone who could be angry and frustrated to someone who was more outgoing and someone with a ‘loving side’ who had much to contribute. Mr Gunter said he has also learned much from Jason and become far better at communicating.

The functional skills course has run both at Kidderminster and at Elgar House in Worcester, organised by Mencap. It is for people up to the age of 24 and is specifically for those with a learning disability. Mencap has been managing the course for the last five years.

Also attending the tea party were Diane Hughes, lead employment co-ordinator for the Worcester team at Mencap and Helena Darby, co-ordinator for Worcester employment service.

They hope to more than double the number of internships offered by Mencap from four to 10 after the pilot year. They are also looking for more businesses to become involved in the internship scheme, funded by the education and skills funding agency.

Businesses are trained up by Mencap so they can offer the placements so no extra pressure is placed on the business.

The hope is that Mencap courses can lead to paid employment, further education or voluntary work if clients are not yet ready for employment.

For more information about opportunities call Mrs Hughes on 07941377734.