Worklink

What does Worklink do?

We’re currently helping over 165 clients across our sites in Cottingham and Sewerby near Bridlington. This includes people who are working towards qualifications, undertaking supported employment and work based training, and much more.

We also offer a wide range of support services, including:

• Guidance and help with creating CVs and cover letters
• One-to-one support in the workplace
• Ongoing support
• Sheltered training. 

What kind of activities does Worklink offer?

All clients complete our own in-house training programme, which covers life skills, preparation for work and health and safety. On completion of this programme, you’ll receive a certificate of achievement.

We’ll also take you through a vocational profile and employability assessment while you’re training, which will help us to guide you into roles and opportunities that suit you best. This will also include practical skills like creating CVs and interview techniques.

In our centres in Cottingham and Sewerby we have a whole range of activities that you can get involved with.

Gardening and horticulture

Both our bases offer opportunities for you to see if you have green fingers. At both sites you can learn about maintaining a nursery garden in quiet, leafy surroundings.

Catering and hospitality

Our Cottingham site gives you the opportunity to get involved with running Café, and provides practical training in catering and hospitality.

Woodwork and construction

Also on our Cottingham site, you can try your hand at construction and woodwork in our fully kitted out wood workshop.

Who can join Worklink?

Anyone over the age of 18 with a learning disability or dual diagnose can join the programme. You must have the desire to move onto employment.

How do I get onto the Worklink programme?

You can refer yourself or someone you know onto the programme by sending an email to worklink@eastriding.gov.uk or giving us a call on 01482 842009. You can also be referred by any one of the following:

• Job Centre Plus
• Wellbeing Team
• Social Care

Can my family get involved?

We love it when family members visit clients at Worklink, as it’s a great opportunity for you to show off your new abilities. But bear in mind that it’s not appropriate for family members to attend as a support worker.

What happens when I leave Worklink?

When you’re ready for employment, we’ll help you to search for a job, come and visit you there to make sure you’re happy and settling in well and we’ll continue to offer one-to-one support for as long as you need it. When you’re ready, we’ll gradually withdraw this, but we’ll always stay in touch and be there for any support you may need.

You’ll have an exit interview to let us know what you thought of Worklink. Parents, carers and any other support workers will be invited to this meeting too. And finally you’ll have your own presentation event to celebrate graduating the programme!

How do I know it's safe? 

We’re a council run service, and all staff undergo an in-depth induction to the service, including shadowing an experienced staff member. They’re also required to complete a certificate in Care.

What is Café RouTEs?

Café Routes is located at our Cottingham base and is open to the public from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday. It’s recently been refurbished with comfy new seating, but you can still expect the same tasty weekly specials and delicious homemade baking we’ve always served. 

In the café you’ll find lots of information about the work we do, so why not pop along, enjoy some good food and find out more about Worklink?

We’re currently restricted to outdoor eating and takeaway, but we’re hoping to be fully open soon.

What does it cost?

Depending on the circumstances of the client, there may be a cost for you to attend Worklink. This is a free service and time limited for gaining employment, If you’d like to find out whether there will be a cost to you, give us a call on 01482842009 or drop an email to worklink@eastriding.gov.uk for a no obligation chat.

Where is Worklink?

We have two sites, both of which have accessible car parks with disabled parking.

Worklink Cottingham

Learning Resource Centre
Eppleworth Road
Cottingham
HU16 5YF

(01482) 842009

Worklink Sewerby

Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Church Lane
Sewerby
YO15 1EA

(01262) 400519

How do I get in touch?

Give us a call on 01482 842009 or drop us an email on worklink@eastriding.gov.uk. We’d love to have a chat about what we do and whether it might be right for you.

Who is on the Worklink team?

• Debbie Pratt, Team Leader
• Liane Kirk, Service Manager