Right2Work is a growing and thriving organisation that carries out an increasingly diverse range of activities from a well organised and bustling centre. We are a Community Interest Company (CIC) and are part of the Oaklea Group.
Our long-term strategy is built around three key elements: Community, Learning and Wellbeing
Our vision – We deliver the finest opportunities in the kindest possible way
Our Mission – To support and care for people and communities so they can learn, develop and thrive
Our Values – Individuality, independence, interdependence, rights, respect, dignity, privacy, partnership, choice
Our programmes of activity
RESTART Scheme
The Restart Scheme with DWP & G4S provides intensive support designed to help people into sustained work, initially targeting people who have spent between 12 & 18 months claiming Universal Credit. The scheme lasts for 365 days.
Qualifications and Learning
R2W offers a number of different options for young people to develop & learn skills all of which are designed to help with finding and maintaining employment as well as supporting independence.
Social enterprise work experience
Many potential job seekers use a number of areas such as traditional day services, some attend job centres or receive support from health & social care agencies.
Supported Internships
A structured programme aimed at 16-24 year olds who have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) and want to move into employment, but need support.
Multiply - basic maths programme
Do you struggle with maths and basic numeracy? We are part of a national programme called Multiply – which aims to make sums simpler! It will help you with getting a job, in your daily life and just make you more confident with numbers.
Working with Employers
We work with a number of local businesses who have committed to actions that will create opportunities for disabled people who wish to work and improve their lives.
Meet the Right2Work Team!
Pete Bradbury
Peter has worked and managed Employment Services since 1998 and managed the successful development of The Furniture Warehouse since 2013. A former senior manager of Royal Mencap’s employment and educations services with responsibility for quality and business development.
Peter has been involved in both regional and national service development including DWP, Ofsted, FE colleges and Cumbria & Lancashire County Councils initiatives. He is passionate about providing integrated and personalised work solutions for local people and Employers.
Claire Westmorland
Claire transferred to Right2Work after spending 19 years at the Oaklea Trust and before that had worked in the Employment Service for 10 years.
One of her greatest achievements with the Employment Team, apart from securing numerous job opportunities for the hundreds of customers she has supported, was helping the Employment Team through an Ofsted Inspection on the Work Step programme, where they gained a good rating. Claire is enjoying helping her colleagues achieve some great outcomes for the many different customers we support.
Chris Pantechis
Chris oversees all activities at The Furniture Warehouse (TFW), liaising with suppliers and ensuring compliance with contracts (such as that with SLDC).
Chris has a close working relationship with Adult Social Services to develop the best possible working experience for our Day Placement customers.
Sarah Jones
Sarah has worked for the Oaklea Trust since 2006, initially as a support worker for adults and children with learning disabilities in the community and supported living homes.
Sarah progressed to become the manager for three new Oaklea projects; Aiming High, which was facilitating recreational activities for children and young people in South Lakes, Furness and Eden; opening and running supported living houses for young adults with learning disabilities; and now the highly successful Appleby Hub.
Paul Roberts
Kirstie Packham
Kiera Turner
Lisa Dunne
Fay Sanderson
Simon Dey
Simon has worked for the Oaklea Group since 2017. He is a former Broadcast Journalist and has spent 30+ years in the communications field (PR & Marketing in a range of organisations ranging from BBC and ITV to CCC, government agencies and private sector.
In March 2020 during the Covid19 crisis he became based at the R2W Appleby Hub and combined Marketing role with a food delivery service to rural Eden using ‘Bulgy Bus’.
Lo Cade
Laura 'Banksy' Banks
Leanne Coulson
Helping you to branch out….
Chris Leith
Chris ‘ Peaky Blinder’ Leith seen with Learner Kelvin!
Sophie Bramble
Jules & Rach
Sally Pattison
David Mitchell
Patrizia Scarpa
Scott Reid
Rebecca Hewson
Barry '2 vans' Paul
Nichola Johnston
Laura Allan
Michelle Bamber
Jane Farkins
Mandy Morland
Sara Wellock
Sarah Lawley
Claire Kerr
Steve 'The Ruddmeister' Rudd
Karen Powley
Sarah Richardson
Amanda Andrews
Amy Nelson
Claire Round
Jim Green
Jim is the lead on our Community Works project that teaches and supports our learners to achieve an Open Awards Qualification in ground and property maintenance. In a previous life he had his own building and maintenance company (since 1986 working on various projects from converting house’s into flats to changing a tap washer). He has also worked as a contractor for Fairoak Housing maintaining and upgrading their properties. He is looking forward to the future with R2W & Community Works and helping them grow.