Supported employment

Our Hive is our supported employment service that supports people with learning disabilities and/or autism to:

  • Move into employment or voluntary work
  • Attend our social events held regularly in the café
  • Develop skills in our café and or chocolate factory (funded through adult social care budgets or privately)

We also offer Learning Disability Awareness training to employers.

The service offers information, advice and guidance to adults, parents/carers on a variety of subjects including:

  • Benefits
  • Education and volunteering options
  • EHCPs

If our team don’t know the answer they will find someone who can help!

Moving into employment or voluntary work

Our Hive is a free service which supports people aged 16+ with learning disabilities and/or autism to get a job and supports them whilst in work.

How we do this:

  • Initial Chat: You will meet us for an informal chat so we can find out more about you, your experiences and the areas in which you need support.  We will complete an Initial Assessment, Careers Interest Questionnaire and a Vocational Profile to find out more about your skills and the jobs you would like to do
  • CVS: if you already have a C.V we can look through this and suggest changes. If you don’t have a C.V, we can work with you to create one
  • Cover Letter: we will support you to create a template cover letter to apply for jobs
  • Applying for work: we will support you in applying for work, adapting C.Vs to match jobs and completing application forms
  • Practice and support at a job interview
  • Support settling into work through job coaching
  • Travel training

All we ask is that you are motivated to find work.

To find out more contact us on 01423 447417 and ask for Our Hive or email us at ourhive@hs4lc.org.uk


Rise 2 Thrive

Our Hive@Skills Bridge is working in partnership with Rise2Thrive to support you if you have a learning disability and/or autism.  A dedicated Keyworker will work with you to help you move towards, education, training or employment.

If you are not in education, training and/ or employment, want to work in the future, are aged 18+ and live in North Yorkshire then this may be the programme for you.

We also offer support if you are in work and need some extra help to thrive. The team can help you identify and access retraining, upskilling or development activities.

The Rise2Thrive network has various opportunities across North Yorkshire that will develop your confidence and remove barriers.  Our team will work with you to identify the help you need and connect you with appropriate services in the network.

As an intervention partner, we are also providing short courses to those who are on the Rise2Thrive programme. If you are a part of the Rise2Thrive programme please talk to us if you are interested in any of the below opportunities:

  • Our Hive@ Skills Bridge: An employability and preparation for work programme to enable participants to recognise their skills and qualities and match these to jobs in the local area. Support to create a CV and navigate the application process.
  • Self-Employment: Participants will acquire the basic skills and knowledge of self-employment and be supported on their journey to running a business.
  • Level 1 Food Hygiene Qualification: Supported by the Harrogate Chocolate Factory Lead, participants will gain a Level 1 Food Hygiene Qualification.
  • ICT for Employment: Develop the basic ICT skills required for employment and learn more about how companies use technology.
  • ICT for Healthcare: Supported by a tutor, you will learn how to access health information and book appointments online.
  • Harrogate Trails: Participants will embark on a 5-week wellbeing walk experience discovering the hidden journeys in and around Harrogate.

 For more information about the programme please email ourhive@hs4lc.org.uk or contact the team on 01423 447417.

This programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.