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Local business goes the distance for The Mai-Wel Group

Attention Businesses – Do you have any work experience opportunities available?

Transition to Work is a two year program that assists young people with a disability to develop pre-vocational, social, work and decision making skills and independence to develop the confidence needed to make a successful transition from school into open or supported employment.

Programs that are offered at Transition to Work are work training skills including interview techniques, preparing for work, resume development, presentation, communication skills along with other skill development programs such as independent living, social skills, self esteem and confidence just to name a few.

Work Experience is a vital part of gaining on the job skills. It is a key component to our program and we are regularly seeking opportunities within the local community to open their business to us for work experience for our clients.

Where required, we provide on the job support with the person until it is determined that the support is no longer required. We work in partnership with the business and will only ever withdraw support if it is a mutual decision with the Business Manager.

Participants of Transition to Work are currently seeking any work experience opportunities in retail, business, I.T, administration, horticulture, manufacturing, communications and hospitality. If you have any roles in your organisation that you may be able to offer to a Work Experience participant, please contact Coordinator of Transition to Work, Katrina Lewis on 4934 3144 or by emailing katrina.lewis@maiwel.com.au.

Maitland JP's show their support for local groups

Joel Fitzgibbon pledges his support for the NDIS

New Program for Mai-Wel to Help Support Independence of People with a Disability

The Mai-Wel Group is about to commence the Independent Living Support Initiative (ILSI), a program aimed at assisting people living with a disability to gain a more independent lifestyle. In conjunction with Endeavour Industries, Mai-Wel will assist six eligible people with disabilities to further their independence.

The Independent Living Support Initiative is a two year intensive program for people with a disability with low to moderate support needs. It offers a one on one program where direct support is provided for 35 hours per week in order to build skills and independence for people with a disability living at home with an aging carer.

Assistance will be given to increase independence, be more involved in the local community, achieve goals and dreams and plan for longer term living arrangements whether that be in their own home, shared accommodation or a granny flat.

 “The Independent Living Support Initiative will provide a number of families the opportunity to plan a more independent lifestyle for their son or daughter and with the support of Mai-Wel they will receive intensive training in the skills they need to achieve their goals,” said Dominique Frost, ILSI Coordinator.

The program is funded by the NSW Government and is an extension of ‘Stronger Together’ funding. The ‘Stronger Together’ initiative is a ten year plan to provide greater assistance and long-term practical solutions for people with a disability and their families.

All in a day's work for Mai-Wel as the NSW Regional Achievement and Community Awards finalists are announced!

The Mai-Wel Group hopes to add another trophy to its cabinet after being announced a finalist in the New South Wales Regional Achievement and Community Awards' Business and Employment category.

The Lower Hunter disability service provider joins a short list of finalists, chosen for their focus on providing community-wide employment opportunities, which proves to be a fundamental strength of regional communities. Mai-Wel recently won the Business Achievement Award for its PACE Setters division at the Hunter Business Chamber Awards in August.

The Mai-Wel Group employs more than 320 local people, 126 of whom have a disability, making the organisation one of the largest employers in the Lower Hunter region. Established in 1961, The Mai-Wel Group has laid a foundation over half a century for continued employment growth.

Executive Manager of Supported Employee Services and Compliance, Anne Hodgson, believes the nomination is well deserved.

"The Mai-Wel Group is absolutely delighted to be judged as one of the leading organisations in NSW in the Business and Employment Category. This recognition is a credit to the dedication of the staff of Mai-Wel who work so hard to increase employment opportunities for people with a disability in the Hunter," said Ms Hodgson.

"The recognition is also testament to the achievements of the Mai-Wel staff who have a disability. Mai-Wel has implemented many quality improvement initiatives over the years to enhance the employment conditions for all who are employed by the organisation," she said.

The Mai-Wel Group is focused on creating responsive and innovative services that advance the lives of people with a disability. The Mai-Wel Group provides services for people with a disability in Supported Employment, Employment Recruitment and Support, Job Skills Training, Supported Residential Living, Respite Services, Day Programs and Accommodation Support Programs.

All programs developed by The Mai-Wel Group endeavour to improve the quality of life of people with a disability, committing time and resources to staff and business development to ensure continued success.

The Regional Achievement & Community Awards for NSW/ACT aim to recognise rural and regional achievers in their community who are forming important decisions regarding regional growth, productivity, leadership, training and employment.

The Awards Presentation evening will be held on Saturday 5th November at The South Tweed Sports Club.

The Mai-Wel Group lodges their support for the NDIS

	Above: Greg and Derek at the NDIS Disabilitea Morning Tea