At the Langdon Business Breakfast, 200 guests heard the impressive news that even more of our Members had gained employment in the last year. Over 90% of them are now in either paid employment, volunteering or in work experience & training programmes. 19% of Langdon’s Members work enough hours each week to come off all employment-related benefits, which is significantly higher than the national average for those with a learning disability.

Chairman Jonathan Joseph expressed his delight at the continuing success of Langdon’s employment programme, which is now also benefiting from the recent addition of larger premises for its New Chapters training initiative. “At Langdon, we understand that being part of the world of work is hugely beneficial to an individual’s self-esteem, confidence and overall independence. Our employers also tell us what a great impact our Members make on their work environment”.

Guest speaker David Tyler, Chairman of Sainsbury’s, said: “Langdon plays a vital role in introducing people with learning disabilities into the world of work, and vital to this is the support and guidance Langdon offers to a business that employs Langdon members”.

Of course, it’s the individual stories that illustrate the crucial role that employment plays in empowering independence and Langdon Member Marcus Bean, spoke movingly about his work at OGR Stock Denton, who was awarded the Langdon Employer of the Year award at the breakfast. Marcus said “I love having the confidence to live independently and go to work. I want to thank everyone at OGR Stock Denton for giving me a job I love”.