Chelmsford businesses awarded new funding to support inclusive employment

Seven Essex businesses, including two in Chelmsford, have been awarded grants of up to £25,000 to help them employ people with learning disabilities and autism.

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Business Grant scheme supports local employers to create real, meaningful job opportunities for people with additional needs. Funding can be used for salaries, start up costs, equipment or training, helping organisations build more inclusive workplaces.

A total of £125,000 has been awarded in this latest round of funding, delivered in partnership with Essex County Council. Chelmsford City Council contributed £25,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with Epping Forest District Council adding a further £20,000.

Speaking about the positive impact the funding scheme has for both businesses and employees in Chelmsford, Councillor Simon Goldman, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Property said,

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“I’m delighted this funding is helping to create exciting employment opportunities for people with additional needs in Chelmsford. A growing number of local businesses are committed to building inclusive workplaces and are seeing the benefits that the valuable perspectives and experiences people with learning disabilities and autism bring to their organisations. I hope the example these businesses are setting will encourage more employers in Chelmsford to adopt inclusive and accessible recruitment practices.”

Cllr Simon Goldman, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Property

Chelmsford businesses awarded grants

In Chelmsford, two businesses have received funding to help them develop new inclusive roles within their teams.

Baddow Hill Alpacas

Baddow Hill Alpacas is a smallholding in Little Baddow which has become a rural sanctuary offering a range of enrichment opportunities for SEND schools, care homes, and other vulnerable groups.

They’ll be using their grant to fund a part time smallholding assistant, who will help with the day-to-day care of the animals, including feeding and grooming, and support general tasks to keep the smallholding clean, and their equipment well maintained.

Speaking at the awards event, Baddow Hill Alpacas owner Steven Gunn, said:

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“Our mission has always been to create a safe, welcoming place where people can connect with animals, feel closer to nature, and experience the therapeutic benefits that come with that. This grant has enabled us to welcome young adults with additional needs into our team, and that’s something we hold incredibly close to our hearts. We see their talent and potential and creating space for them to shine and take confident steps into the workplace is incredibly important to us.

“The grant will also help us make adaptations to open our doors even wider with wheelchair-friendly paths and a new barn to enable year-round visits so we can provide more opportunities for meaningful engagement.”

Steven Gunn, Baddow Hill Alpacas

Young people with additional needs will be employed to help care for the animals at Baddow Hill Alpacas

Sport for Confidence

Sport for Confidence is an innovative programme that helps people with barriers to participation take part in sport and physical activity. Delivered by qualified coaches working alongside occupational therapists, sessions run across Essex, including at Riverside Leisure Centre.

Their grant will be used to recruit a volunteer coordinator who will support and inspire volunteers across the county.

Megan Angill-Williams, Senior Occupational Therapist at Sport for Confidence, said:

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“Creating inclusive opportunities for people who face the greatest barriers to participation is at the heart of what we do. This grant marks an important step for Sport for Confidence, enabling us to introduce a new Volunteer Coordinator role designed specifically for an adult with a learning disability and/or autism.

"The role will support volunteers throughout their journey, helping them feel welcomed, valued and confident in their roles. It will also play a key role as we continue to develop our volunteer pathway, working alongside volunteers to gather feedback and ensure it is inclusive, meaningful and shaped by lived experience.”

Megan Angill-Williams, Sport for Confidence

Sport for Confidence sessions help participants develop life-changing skills such self-confidence and independence

Accessing business support in Chelmsford

Chelmsford City Council is committed to supporting local businesses, and the Invest Chelmsford team offers a wide range of support. This includes advice on compliance, financial assistance, help finding the right premises, and guidance on how to grow your business. To find out more about business opportunities in Chelmsford, visit the Invest Chelmsford website.