Information for families in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

COAST - Supported Employment

COAST - Supported Employment logo

COAST supports individuals who have a long term health condition or a disability to gain and/or sustain work. This work may be paid work, including supported permitted work under 16 hours per week job trials & work experience or voluntary work.

The service seeks to improve lives and build people's independence by supporting them to gain confidence improve their sense of general well-being, sense of self-worth and their status through becoming a valued volunteer or employee.

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Venue/Contact Details
Parkstone Connect Day Centre
Croft Road
Parkstone
Poole
Dorset
Postcode
BH12 3LD
Area coverage
BCP Area
Directions
See Journey Planner on the right-hand side of this page, where you can view bus, car and train routes from your location.
Facilities
  • Toilet Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Accessible Toilet
  • Drop off / Collection point
  • Makaton
  • Disabled Car Parking
  • British Sign Language (BSL)
Times and Costs
Opening times:
Monday: 09:00 am - 4.30pm, Tuesday: 09:00 am - 4.30pm;Wednesday: 09:00 am - 4.30pm;Thursday: 09:00 am - 4.30pm;Friday: 09:00 am - 4.30 pm
Further opening details:
  • Afternoon
  • Morning
  • Daily
Availability
  • All Year Round
Costs:
There is no charge for this service. Eligibility for the service is determined by BCP Council.
Ages, Booking Details and Referral Information
Eligibility criteria:
The Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) is based at Parkstone Connect Annexe. Eligibility for the service is determined by BCP Council. The team will allocate a key worker to provide individual support and help to plan work goals. We will support you in the completion of forms to help gain work and support attendance at job interviews, Jobcentre reviews and with work related benefits. We can help with applications or grants for training, arrange help and support with work related travel to and from home and the workplace, we support you with initial on-the job coaching and can provide long term support at work. We also provide and support voluntary work through our Community Projects Works Team. Employment Support Coordinators support Individuals to complete a Vocational profile to identify unique skills, experience, abilities, interests, aspirations and needs in relation to employment. Employment Support Coordinators can help to explain disabilities and health conditions to Employers, to ensure that individuals receive the right support within the workplace. This may include advice on how to make reasonable adjustments or support with training. Partners and projects for the provision of voluntary work include: Wesley's Café Baking Project at The Spire The Toy Library and Bookstart Conservation Work Household Collections New to You Gardening for Poole Gardening for isolated older persons and carers. COAST works with some fantastic organisations within the local area to increase opportunities for individuals.
Referral process:
  • Please give COAST a call on 012020 797841. The Team will be happy to assist you with the referral process and answer any questions that you may have.
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Description:

We have a friendly, welcoming and dedicated team of Employment Co-ordinators. The team's skills include British sign language and they hold mental health and supported employment qualifications. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience around employment, benefits and disability rights.

We work closely with the Job centre, Health and Social Care Professionals, Employers and our Community Project partners to support clients to achieve their goals. Our partners include More Bus who have provided invaluable support to enable us to provide travel training for our clients.

If you are 18+ and due to transition from School or College, please get in touch. The team can liaise with you and your circle of support to ensure a smooth transition to the service.

Policies
Are your staff DBS Approved?
Yes
Do you have a First Aid Policy?
Yes
Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
Yes