The Routeways to Employment Achievements and Employer Recognition Awards 2010 took place on Thursday 9 December at Greenbank College.

Routeways to Employment for disabled people (Liverpool and Knowsley) has been operated by Greenbank since autumn 2008. The programme has offered help and support for 482 disabled people to find and stay in work.

Among those recognised was Brian Jones who commented: “Since joining the Routeways to Employment programme, I have passed numerous qualifications and have successfully found paid employment for the first time in 20 years at Greenbank College as a Learning/Job Coach.” Other winners were Paul Mellor, Joyce McCrystal, Alan Pang, Jack Winter, John Darroch, Lee Taylor, Carlus Herbert, Callum Robinson, Joanne Whitby, Terry Kelly, Andrew Budai, Debbie Kelly, Kahli Morris and Darko Martinovic.

Routeways has also worked closely with local employers to provide

opportunities for disabled people and the following employers were recognised at the event for their contribution to the project: Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradbury Fields, Currys, Everyman, Lee Valley Housing, Liverpool FC Store (Liverpool One), May Logan Healthy Living Centre, Mercury ITC, Natural Breaks Merseyside and Petticoats-A-Plenty.

Kerry Edwards of Mencap, (a Routeways project partner) said: ‘LFC Store offered our learner a voluntary work placement and trained her on shop floor duties. She has now been employed by Liverpool FC Store and works between 8 and 16 hours per week. They have made every effort to introduce the learner to all staff and make her feel like a valued member of the team.’