AN AWARD-WINNING Stroud car washing business that helps people with learning disabilities into employment is appealing for companies to work with them.

The Home Farm Trust car wash team gives people the chance to experience the world of work so they can then go on to secure other jobs.

The project recently won the Mayor’s Award at the Stroud Town Council Annual Awards, in recognition of their employment support and their environmentally-friendly service.

Former employees have gone on to work for Morrisons and GIS and project supervisor Chris Butler says more local businesses could benefit from employing Home Farm Trust workers.

“It would be fantastic if more local companies would come in and see what our lads can do here - then they might be inspired to give them a chance and see how they get on,” she said.

“We’re proving to local companies that these people can do a job - they can turn up on time and work hard. Hopefully more employers will see that.”

While working at the Home Farm Trust project, employees get a range of experiences and learn transferable skills such as dealing with customers, taking money and making bookings.

The employees are provided with advice and guidance and given the chance to discover their strengths and decide what they might like to do in the future.

The service also has an eco-friendly focus, hand-washing cars with water-saving methods at their site in the multi-storey car park on London Road, Stroud.

Mayor Kevin Cranston said: “The reason I chose this project for my personal award is that it ticks so many boxes.

“It is helping disadvantaged people to find work, teaching useful life skills. It is an environmentally sound activity, they only use about half a litre of water and no chemicals to wash each car, so there is no mess or pollution. Also a clean car is generally more fuel efficient.

“And finally they do an excellent job and provide an outstanding level of customer service, which all businesses should aspire to.

"The Home Farm Trust is a national charity, with a Gloucestershire regional base, which provides a range of services for people with learning disabilities, including supported living, residential care, and short break services.

For more information about the Home Farm Trust and employing people with learning disabilities, call 01453 832201 or email hftgloucestershire@hft.org.uk