Work and Day Centres.

We explored the working lives of people with a learning disability living in Portsmouth. Of those interviewed, 48 are working or retired, and 6 are currently in paid part-time employment.

Andrew attends Warren Avenue during the week and works part-time at the Sir Loin of Beef pub in Southsea. He enjoys working as part of a team and is happy in his job, even though earning more would affect his benefits.

Andrew’s story

Carly dreamed of working with children and volunteered at two nursery schools through college placements. Although she loved the work, she was unable to continue because she needed extra support when going out.

Carly’s story

John was labelled with a “mental handicap” as a child but built a long working life, starting at WH Smith where he learned to read and discovered a strong memory. He later became a local councillor and Portsmouth City Council’s Learning Disability Champion, advocating for employment opportunities.

John Atrill’s story

Christopher worked for the government and Royal Navy for thirty years, starting in 1979 and working as part of a team on Portsdown Hill. He was very happy in his work and has kept a busy routine since retiring.

Christopher’s story

David has volunteered for many years in a Barnardo’s charity shop, a café, and at the Kestrel Centre. He values teamwork and communication and hopes to find paid work in the future.

David Dewer’s story

Emma attends Make, a project supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. She previously lost paid work due to funding cuts, which upset her. She now enjoys creative, retail, and café work, travels independently by bus, and is not paid.

Emma’s story

Ian has a part-time paid job with Colas, working outdoors on Tuesdays sweeping streets and collecting litter. He also attends Make on Thursdays and Fridays, where he works in the café preparing meals and serving customers, but is not paid.

Ian’s story

On Thursdays, Erica volunteers at the charity shop Rainbow in Portsmouth, tagging and hanging clothes but not working the till as she does not handle money. She would like a paid job.

Erika’s story

Ewan works at Lidl and volunteers at Lily and Lime and the View Café. He is paid at Lidl, where he sorts cardboard and does basket runs, receives support from Bex, travels independently, and would like to learn to work on the till.

Ewan’s story

Jon attends Minstead Trust four days a week and enjoys activities including choir, which supports his mental health. He has not had paid work due to low confidence but would now like a job.

Jon’s story

Kevin worked at Tesco for 26 years before leaving due to bullying. After three years unemployed, he secured part-time work as a school cleaner.

Kevin Sully’s story

Lewis volunteers at a library one day a week and would prefer paid work. He also attends courses in computing, interview skills, and stress management, travels by bus, and has previously volunteered in a charity shop.