What is HILLS?

HILLS has been developed to help adults with learning, physical and mental health needs build the vocational and life skills they require to access employment and live more independently.

Through participating in the Programme, it is anticipated that trainees will gain the skills needed to move on to further training, education, employment, volunteering and other positive destinations.

HILLS is run in Lewis & Harris by the CNES Employment Development & Support Team and in Uist by Cothrom Ltd with Susan Walker, Project Worker.

If you are interested in further learning please contact Cothrom on 01878 700910 or alternatively fill out an enquiry form

Who is eligible?

HILLS supports adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health needs by providing person-centred and flexible training. Individuals must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the programme:

School leaving age or above

Not in full-time education,

Have an identified primary barrier to employment in the form of a learning disability, physical disability or mental health need

Motivated to engage in training to increase employability

HILLS is a progressive programme where individuals will be expected to demonstrate achievement of outcomes. HILLS does not provide a therapeutic or social care service.

Did you know?

Cothrom run free Adult Learning training courses all year round and may provide a travelling and care allowance.

Programme content

Trainees will have access to a range of formal and non-formal learning opportunities which will be tailored to meet the individual outcomes they wish to achieve on the Programme.

Some of the areas of support include:

Literacy and numeracy

Training in furniture recycling

Budgeting

Independent travel

Healthy eating

Health & safety

Basic computing

Volunteering

These training opportunities might be delivered directly by our staff or by partner organisations we work with.

Referral & Assessment

Referrals can be made by:

Social Work

Skills Development Scotland

Jobcentre Plus

Education

Primary healthcare workers

Details on the process are available from the CNES Employment

Development & Support Team on 01851 707819

After referral the following process will be followed:

Initial interview

Six week assessment period

Review

Development of Individual Learning & Action Plan

Regular review and monitoring

If, after the six week assessment a trainee does not continue on the Programme, HILLS staff will liaise with referrers to help identify alternative options.