Care residents bid fond farewell to Kitchen Assistant Leonard Taylor

Published by jessica.britton for Merlin Housing Society in Housing

A popular member of staff at Merlin Housing Society’s extra care facility in Filton has retired after achieving six years in continuous employment thanks to ongoing support from a programme designed to help disabled people into work.
Residents from Nutfield House held a party to say goodbye to Leonard Taylor, who has been supported in his role as kitchen assistant by Work Choice (previously Work Step) – a Jobcentre plus initiative that works with host employers.
Nutfield House Extra Care Manager, Sara Symonds said: “Work Choice provides job support to disabled people facing barriers to getting and keeping a job.
“The support Lenny received meant he was able to take on more challenging roles in the kitchen, and he even achieved his first ever qualification – a Food Hygiene certificate – during his time with us. This gave him the confidence to go on and apply to undertake a literacy course at college.”
Lenny has been a valued member of the team who was always smiling and happy to do any task set of him. The residents took him to their heart, as did the staff team. Lenny has promised to continue to visit Nutfield House regularly and is keen to volunteer for social activities when he can.