A client and two adults

Making It Work

Making it work is a specialist supported employment service which provides people with learning disabilities and or autism the opportunity to access all types of employment

This Service Provides

  • Collating Employment Profiles
  • CV Building
  • Job Searches
  • Support with job applications
  • Interview Support
  • Job Coaching
  • Integration of employee into work place
  • Ongoing support through workplace visits and reviews

Making It Work: Empowering Employment Opportunities for All

At Making it Work, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to thrive in the workplace. As a specialist supported employment service, we are dedicated to helping individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism access meaningful work opportunities tailored to their interests and skills.

We are committed to breaking down barriers to employment. Whether it’s voluntary work, work initiative placements, or paid employment, Making it Work supports people every step of the way toward achieving their career goals.

What We Offer

Our service is designed to provide comprehensive and personalised support, including:

  • Access to Employment Opportunities: From volunteer roles to paid positions, we help individuals explore and secure the type of work that suits them best.
  • Work Placement Initiatives: We partner with local employers and community organizations to create inclusive work placements.
  • Travel Training: For those who need it, we offer practical travel training to help individuals travel safely and independently to and from work.
  • Employment Advice & Support: Our team provides ongoing guidance on a range of work-related matters, from CV writing and interview preparation to understanding workplace rights and responsibilities.

Why It Matters

Employment not only provides financial independence but also builds confidence, social connections, and a sense of purpose. At Making it Work, we’re proud to support individuals in finding work that brings out their best and helps them contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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Meet The Team

Employment and Engagement Manager

Sharon has worked in the care sector for over 40 years. She started working in the private sector and moved into public sector working for several Borough councils within London and local to Southend.

Sharon worked in Viking service for 18 years working with adults with complex and profound needs, before moving into Avro/Project 49 where she worked up until 2017. During her time in Project 49 she supported adults learning skills to promote their independence. This led to her taking on the role managing the Making it Work Supported Employment service for adults with Learning disabilities.

In January 2025 Sharon became the Service Manager for the newly formed Engagement and Employment service overseeing Making it Work, Project 49 and Viking.

Sharon enjoys visiting historical buildings, watching rugby, cooking and spending quality time with her family.

Sharon Needham

Employment & Engagement Manager

Picture of Laura Rice Employment Team Leader

Laura has worked supporting neurodiverse adults with L.D./Autism since 2007. Firstly, at a specialist S.E.N academy in Thurrock as a Senior ABA Tutor in their Post 16 unit progressing to Coordinator/Manager of their Post-19-day service employability facility for young adults.  She joined Southend Care Limited in 2022 as an Employment Support Worker as part of the Making It Work team, and she is now Employment Team Lead for Making It Work.

Laura is passionate in her desire to help support adults with additional, complex, and mental health needs and she believes that to teach people to navigate life in the workplace effectively can only be done if you adapt to their needs and empower with positive reinforcement, guidance and training.

Laura is happily married with two grown-up sons.

Laura Rice

Making It Work Employment Team Leader