We offer clients support principally through our Business Mentoring Service. In addition, we have identified a number of volunteers who can offer advice in specialist fields e.g. website design. We can also signpost you to other agencies for support in specific areas e.g. state benefits.
Our model (as above) has been developed through our experiences working with autistic adults who wish to consider self-employment.
Initially, all clients are invited to an informal meeting, normally facilitated by the Development Manager and a Business Mentor. At this we discuss the concept of self-employment or in some cases to discuss a particular idea a client may have.
From this meeting there are three potential outcomes:
- A client’s potential business idea APPEARS VIABLE but requires support to take it forward. At this point we fix regular meetings, usually on a six-weekly cycle, during set up (and beyond if required.) In addition we have a growing team of volunteer business advisers too who we can call upon to offer specific business advice around the areas of legal matters, finance, IT and marketing.
- Self-employment MAY BE a realistic way forward, but more work needs to be done on considering ideas and what would be required. In this case we ask clients to come back to a further meeting(s) to consider the possibilities further.
- Self-employment is NOT going to be the right way forward and we would signpost to other agencies for further support and advice about other options.
We acknowledge that every client is different and therefore requires different levels of support whilst working towards self employment and therefore building relationships that clients are comfortable with is vital.
Introduction to IWORK4ME Services
IWORK4ME provides a unique service to adults with a formal Autism diagnosis who wish to consider turning a skill, hobby or interest into a business micro-enterprise.
Terms and Conditions
IWORK4ME relies on funding from a variety of sources. The terms of funding mean we are duty-bound to deliver a service which represents the best possible outcomes. In view of this, we review our caseload on a regular basis as we are only able to work with clients who demonstrate a firm commitment to attend and actively participate in coaching meetings (including the completion of follow-up tasks.)
A client’s repeated cancellation of appointments at short notice for reasons other than ill-health; failure to actively participate in meetings or any unacceptable behaviour, will, regrettably, result in suspension of our service.
