feel so stupid

Towser

Autistic staff can be an asset
“One of the challenges facing the UK economy is building a skilled future workforce,” said Michel Van der Bel, Microsoft’s UK CEO, at the recent launch of his company’s autistic and inclusive hiring programme. “We can achieve this aim much better if we have a wider appreciation of the skills that are out there.”

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Many other employers, though, are still unsure: 60% of companies that responded to the National Autistic Society’s employment campaign last year say they would worry about getting support for an autistic employee wrong.

“Autism affects everyone differently and not all autistic people are able to work,” says Emma Jones from the National Autistic Society. “But many are, and they’re desperate to find a job which reflects their talent and interests. With a little understanding and adjustments to the recruitment process and workplace, autistic adults can be a real asset.”

That’s something that People Like Us has demonstrated in Denmark. “As well as their individual skills, autistic people can be highly self-motivated, detail-focused and able to concentrate for long periods of time. Many have detailed knowledge of certain areas and can be able to to identify errors that others miss – a huge plus for any business,” said Jones.

For the employees too, the results can be life-changing. Today, beers designed by Lindgreen are available in almost 40 places around Denmark, including Dragsholm Castle, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

“It’s really nice to be back brewing again, but at the same time it’s also a little confusing, since my job description has changed a few times. But I know that it is very common for start ups, that you’ll have to be able to wear more hats. I’m glad to be a part of this.”

The beauty of a business like brewing as a model for a business of this kind is the diversity of roles it creates, according to Lars Carlsen, who is also the brewery’s CEO. “We think that nearly all roles in a brewing company can be done by someone with autism,” he says. “There are all kinds of jobs, from developing recipes to bookkeeping to cleaning up, and everything in between.”

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What next after beer?
Although People Like Us does not yet own a full-size brewery (the space in Skippinge is used for recipe development, while commercial batches are made at De Proef brewery in Belgium), it has prompted others to take on autistic employees, including beer distributor Det Belgiske Hus and the Timm Vladimirs cooking school, says Jesper Carlsen.

“Through co-operating with us, they get inspired,” he says. “Timm Vladimirs heard our story and thought, ‘Why don’t I do the same?’ He’s employed two autistic adults.”

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People Like Us has enjoyed crucial support from Mikkeller, a Danish brewing company. Mikkel Borg Bjergsø, the man behind Mikkeller, was initially approached in the hope that he might brew a promotional beer, but he persuaded the brothers to think bigger.

Although an initial crowdfunding push in March this year fell some way short of the total needed to build a brewery ($21,965 (£17,500) from a target of $150,000), the publicity received has been helpful; eight different beers will be produced this year, including a collaboration brew with Goose Island in Chicago in May.

“We will start another campaign in the autumn,” says Jesper Carlsen. “But we have so many things to do right now. During the summer we will have a bar at Odsherred Teater [a theatre in Nykøbing Sjælland, Denmark], where four autistic adults will be employed, we are going to six festivals, we have a lot of stuff to do.”

For Lindgreen, it’s great to be able to demonstrate what he had to offer. “I don’t know if I’m going to do this for the rest of my life,” he says, “but right now it’s a nice place to be, to become a part of a working community again, and hopefully – through being open about these things – to be able to change perceptions of people with autism.”

redfox

the above post by Lagato is :spam:

please press the :spam: button

sam_m

Well i thought to my self these enough moping around, i have been to the gym yesterday with my mate and i loved it so im signing up for a 4 month membership, im 17 stone now and would love to get to 11-10.5 stone. I would look so good and a fitter, happier and healthier me would have a better chance in finding someone then someone who is low on confidence and things everyone looks at him because he is ugly. Well no more thoughts like that. I just need more confidence in my looks and apperence and the way i act and then i will lead a happier better life, i could find a partner, have a job, earn more money

sam_m

i just also want to say thank you for all the advice on here

System

You've had some great advice Sam and i hope it helps you.

I work in food/retail and honestly it can be very challenging at times. Do you think you'd be able to deal woth an abusive cusyomer and still stay calm? ( for the record last time that happened i ended up a shaking wreck so i'm not great at it myself ), i have periods when my mood is up (i have bipolar) and that can include feeling very irritable, last time it happened i had to be sent home as i was scared i might lose my cool with a customer.

You say you like travel and you'v already got some qualifications which is great and would help towards that goal. There are jobs out there yoy just need to find the right one for you.

O was single for a while and also jobless cos of my bipolar. Life was pretty bad back then but things can change. I got a job and i managed to meet a lovely guy so please don;t give up, you never know whats around the corner for you

sam_m

I feel so much better even now. Going to the gym, I just put 230 in my account so now have 503. While that isn't alot it's still better than it has been and halfway to 1000. I have also been invited to a friends to watch rouge one so while not being with girls still with a friend and his other male friend watching star wars rouge one so I'm feeling more social

Rainbowgirl84

See you can be happy...there you go! Enjoy your threesome...LOL!

sam_m

ye, i know it isn't much but things will improve and are improving, i have hopefully gone through the worst. i know one day i will find a partner, i just need more confidence in my own ability

tazwhoever

One more reply then we've beaten the world record​!

sam_m

Hi everyone, im doing much better at the moment, i am still saving money, doing well at the gym and i also am volunteering at a local half marathon event on Sunday which one of my tutors said would look great on my CV