The Blind Veterans provide veterans who have suffered sight-loss with rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support.
The Wellbeing Centre in Llandudno plays a key part in supporting blind veterans, offering wellbeing breaks all year round which give patrons the opportunity to meet other veterans with sight-loss, and start a journey towards independence and out of isolation.
There are many different roles within the Wellbeing Centre, from housekeepers, waiting-on staff, bar staff and security to health care support staff, just to name a few. While these roles are advertised on the Blind Veterans website and on the jobseekers’ website Indeed, they can sometimes be difficult to recruit into, so Conwy Employment Hub has been able to help on occasion.
Stephanie Davies, Catering Manager at Blind Veterans said;
“When we heard about Conwy Employment Hub we were more than happy to offer a work trial to any of the participants wanting to apply for a role. We quite liked that they had an established relationship with the person they were putting forward.”
While her colleague, Amy Hughes commented;
“We manage the hospitality department, and recruitment into these types of jobs has been tough since the pandemic. To be able to access a free service like the one offered by Conwy Employment Hub has been really helpful”
On working with Blind Veterans, Clare Kingscott, Employer Engagement Officer for Conwy Employment Hub said;
“We have placed a couple of really great people with the Blind Veterans now, and we pride ourselves on ensuring we put forward the right person for the right job, taking into account the ethos of the particular workplace and ensuring that the candidate we suggest is going to be a good fit. I always encourage employers to consider offering a work trial alongside a traditional interview as you will gain a much better idea of whether that person will be right for the role when you give them the opportunity to undertake the job and feel part of the team”
Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for the Conwy Employment Hub said;
“It’s fantastic to hear about how the team works so hard to seek out opportunities for our participants, who although face barriers, are really determined to find employment, and it’s very rewarding to also learn how we are continuing to support employers across the county to fill their vacancies. I hope we can continue to help the Blind Veterans find even more great people to complement their workforce.”