What we do
As part of our training programme, trainees have regular person-centred reviews where they set their own goals based on our easy read outcomes; recent goals range from developing confidence in stock taking to improving teamwork skills. Trainees are supported to enable them to complete their goals, either in the workshop or with additional training activities, and encouraged to share their success with others. Both production and training staff support trainees to complete their goals; this is a key element in our offer as trainees are developing their skills working alongside highly experienced production staff.
As part of our training programme, trainees have regular person-centred reviews where they set their own goals based on our easy read outcomes; recent goals range from developing confidence in stock taking to improving teamwork skills. Trainees are supported to enable them to complete their goals, either in the workshop or with additional training activities, and encouraged to share their success with others. Both production and training staff support trainees to complete their goals; this is a key element in our offer as trainees are developing their skills working alongside highly experienced production staff.
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Contact us today 01133236000
Who we are
Paperworks was incorporated in February 1994 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Its aim – to allow people with learning disabilities a chance of gaining the skills to work in any vocational area. We would use our range of print finishing services to provide the environment for this to happen.
Soon, premises, two members of staff, funding from Social Services and the Training & Enterprise Council and print finishing business contacts were in place to start the business.
For the first year six trainees were chosen to attend full-time. Each trainee, with support, set themselves a training program and their path to paid or unpaid work. By the end of the first year four of the six trainees had gained experience of work, or were moving on into employment. From the second year we provided part-time places to assess people’s readiness for work. We also had the opportunity via JobCentre Plus to work with people with physical disabilities and mental health problems.
Paperworks became a registered charity in 2000. Going from strength to strength, we have relocated twice since beginning. In October we moved into fully refurbished, fully accessible accommodation. This is where Paperworks Harrogate office is still based.
Since then our staff team has grown; as has our commercial work income and cohort of trainees. We also have a dedicated and valued team of volunteers to help us in our work.
In October 2012 we officially opened a Leeds office. This office has grown rapidly, providing similar work and training opportunities as our Harrogate office. In 2015 the Leeds office expanded into New Premises.
Paperworks now provides part time training, based around the individuals abilities for as long as it is appropriate. We recognise also that for some trainees we have become their place of work, whilst for others we are a bridge into the wider world of work, as illustrated by our logo.
We continue to give people the opportunity to maximize their potential and demonstrate their independence. We are continually developing our business to sustain the environment for this to happen.
Paperworks now employs 9 staff across 2 sites and operates an outreach programme into more rural areas.