A PARTNERSHIP between a Latchford care village and specialist employment services provider is being tipped to create more jobs for vulnerable residents.

Belong, which is based on Loushers Lane, has joined forces with Remploy, to offer support to those with disabilities and long-term health conditions in the north west.

Ten people, who have been helped by Remploy, have so far got jobs to assist the village's 70 residents.

Phil Orton, head of people at Belong, said: "We operate a unique model of care and we’re always looking for the right people to help us deliver a broad range of services to our residents.

"Remploy has given us access to people who are both motivated and committed and highly suitable for the jobs we offer.

"The fact that some of our new employees have disabilities or health conditions is irrelevant – each one has proved they are capable of contributing to the lives of our residents and to our organisation."

As part of the agreement, the services provider has delivered a two-week course designed to offer disabled jobseekers a detailed insight into the demands of the care sector, including working with people with dementia and assisting them with their day-to-day needs and activities.

Carl Bashford, 28, who is partially sighted and been unemployed for four years, is one of the first to have completed the training.

He said: "I've tried very, very hard to get a job but it's been an uphill struggle – I want to work and so really value this opportunity.

"Remploy's course gave me an insight into caring and I was able to approach my job interview knowing what would be expected of me.

"I was successful and I've just joined Belong as a host, where my role is to help residents maintain independence and support them as they prepare meals."