Employer information

David, with 15 years in education and experience as a head teacher at a pupil referral unit, joined ECL’s Clinical team two years ago to specialise in behavioural support within adult care services.

Inclusive Employment doesn't work for everyone, especially those with moderate to severe learning disabilities. I longed for an initiative offering meaningful support to those unable to work.

Darren Onno, 48, improved his confidence and independence through ECL’s Community Connector programme, engaging in social activities like dance and IT sessions. With support from Katie, Darren is now happier, more settled, and exploring paid employment options.

Vasukie, initially very shy, gained confidence and independence through ECL’s Community Connector programme, attending social activities and volunteering at a hospice store. She now speaks up for herself, manages tasks independently, and aims to study IT at college.

Melanie, 25, struggled with confidence and purpose until ECL’s Community Connector programme helped her find a volunteer role at a local café, where she regained her skills and independence. Her mother, Cath, is thrilled with Melanie's progress and newfound direction in life.

Elaine Shepherd, 55, from Harwich, overcame isolation with the help of ECL’s Community Connector programme, which helped her regain confidence and start volunteering at a local hospice store. Her dad, Phillip, is thrilled with her progress and hopeful for her future.

A successful collaboration between ECL and the East of England Coop has resulted in paid employment for many adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. Read below to find out how inclusive employment has benefitted the East of England Co-op as an organisation.

A successful collaboration between ECL and the East of England Co-op has resulted in paid employment for many adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. One of the successful applicants was Zach.

The best part of working for ECL is knowing that I’m helping people

ECL’s South Essex Reablement Service helps former teacher regain independence following knee injury.

Noah attends ECL Saffron Walden Learning Disabilities Day Centre. He loves to be out and about and enjoys having lunch at the pub. He has a cheeky sense of humour and a GCSE in art!

Jess' passion for helping people started when she spent time with her aunt, who has learning disabilities, and saw how impactful community support was for her aunt’s independence. Inspired by this and encouraged by a friend who worked for a charity supporting adults with disabilities, Jess transitioned into the care sector.

Having worked in residential and nursing care, Chloe discovered that working in day services allows her better quality time with customers, while giving her more time to spend with her friends and family.

Nick, a retired firefighter, found himself at a career crossroads when early retirement became necessary due to job cuts. He was keen to find a job that provided the ‘feel-good’ factor he cherished, while providing a stable income and work-life balance.

Oliver's career began in a care home, but after a brief stint in the catering industry, he quickly returned to his true calling: caring for older people.

ECL expands Reablement services to London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

A day in the life of…Fiona Young, Sensory Local Business Manager

ECL makes me feel like I’m a real asset to the team

I’m so glad I decided to bite the bullet and change career

I can’t believe I get to do this job that I’ve dreamt of!

In support of National Eye Health Week (23-29 September) Lee is urging other people living with diabetes to be extra vigilant with their eye health.

ECL’s Sensory Service helps customer regain independence after sight loss

ECL is delighted to provide 12 Supported Internships for students with special educational needs based in Essex and Thurrock at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Tilbury.

Becoming a CCA has been life-changing for me

A case study describing how a collaboration between Hylands School and ECL's Inclusive Employment team created a perfect employment opportunity for Maisie.

An inspiring story of how ECL's Inclusive Employment team supported Paul to find fulfilling employment at an Essex primary school

A day in the life of Oliver Mann, Day Opportunities Older People Lead Manager

There are so many different avenues to explore at ECL

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) and ECL have devised a process that will make job applications for roles more accessible for people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Patricia has been affected by sight loss since she was a child. Despite many attempts to slow the rate of decline in her vision, she was registered blind in 2012.

The varied age ranges of ECL’s customer base challenge the stereotype that day centres are for the frail and elderly.

Amy, a 27-year-old with a zest for life embarked on a life-changing journey towards inclusive employment with the support of ECL (Essex Cares Limited) Inclusive Employment program.

A day in the life of…Nadine Watson, Recruitment Consultant

As we age, it's natural for our eyesight to change, but this doesn't mean we have to accept a decline in vision as inevitable.

The reality of living without effective hearing can be daunting and isolating, leading individuals to feel disconnected from the world around them

A person is considered deafblind when their combined vision and hearing loss significantly affects their ability to communicate, access information, and move around independently.

Meet Pat, affectionately known as "Cookie" by her friends and staff at the ECL Loughton day centre. At 72, Cookie attends the centre three times a week - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Marsh Farm is an animal adventure park spread over 30 acres of farmland in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. Taken over by the Partyman Company in 2013, the Farm has become a top-class attraction which employs around 130 people and welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

David is a 39-year old an animal fan who loves learning. He had been enjoying volunteering at a local nature reserve before Covid-19 took hold. Once the world reopened, he was keen to regain some of the independence he had lost during the pandemic.

ECL's Inclusive Employment partnership with the East of England Co-op wins an MJ Award for Innovation in Building Diversity and Inclusion.

I have developed an Easy Read guide to help people manage their anxiety at home.

ECL’s Inclusive Employment service is celebrating supporting over 400 people with learning disabilities and/or autism to fulfil their ambitions of paid employment.

A day in the life of…Jennifer Whitaker, Clinical Lead

Game-changing partnership with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service ensures safety of the sensory impaired

Despite having worked in a host of roles in retail and hospitality, Oliver knew he’d finally found his calling when he made the move to his first care job some 15 years ago.

Sophie’s interest in care began during her time as a patient coordinator with a pharmacy homecare service and grew into a passion while working in a nursing home.

In this blog post, we'll explore five practical strategies to make your business more sensory accessible, promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

Peter had been a long-standing customer at ECL Clacton Day Centre, where he attended 5 days a week.

Transforming Communities: The Impact of Inclusive Employment Partnerships

5 ways to foster autism acceptance in celebration of Autism Acceptance Week.

She is a bubbly, fiercely independent 22-year-old, who loves food and maths! She has an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) and attends college 3 days a week.

Johnnie is a 19-year-old man, who lives with Apert Syndrome and learning disabilities.

ECL is committed to making sure that everyone – customer or colleague – has the best possible experience… I would thoroughly recommend them.

Two years ago, Sally was looking for a new job in care when a friend recommended ECL. Fast-forward to today and Sally’s ECL career is going from strength to strength

ECL Inclusive Employment supports NHS inclusive recruitment roadshow

ECL Ward-led Enablement team helps customer regain mobility during hospital stay

ECL Ward-led Enablement helps woman with restricted mobility regain her confidence and independence.

We spend a day in the life of ECL Sensory Trusted Assessor, Jason Martin.

We spend a day in the life of ECL Peripatetic Service Manager, Sherry Mills.

A blog that shares lived experience and gives helpful hints on how to be brave and try new things to improve the lives of loved ones with autism.

Helpful hints and tips for parents and carers on how to prepare a loved one (and yourself!) for living more independently

Our Inclusive Employment service has formed a dynamic partnership with the East of England Co-op to help people with learning disabilities and autism achieve their ambitions of paid employment.

We spend a day in the life of ECL Recruitment Coordinator, Stephanie Stewart.

ECL Regional Business Manager Debbie Edgell took part in the latest episode of the ECIST Bitesize Podcast series.

Sue Cranford, West Sussex Area Business Manager recently celebrated her 30-year ECL work anniversary.

A day in the life of… Rebecca Ferris Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Former Care Home Manager and Social Worker, Julie was referred to ECL Essex Reablement service following a three week hospital discharge after a fall at home.

ECL’s Inclusive Employment Service reaches key milestone

ECL and Colchester Castle team up to help older people with dementia and Alzheimer’s

Josh was supported by ECL’s Inclusive Employment service after leaving full-time education.

Graham’s Journey to Recovery with ECL's Reablement Service

ECL Inclusive Employment Consultant announced as a finalist in prestigious employment awards

A day in the life of… James Pye Property and Facilities Lead

Couple hail ECL Loughton – Jessop’s Court Day Centre as a ‘lifeline’

Julie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020. Julie and her and her Husband of 50 years, Barry visited nearby ECL Loughton – Jessops Court Day Centre and immediately felt at home.

ECL Ward-led Enablement announced as finalist for national social care awards

A day in the life of… Bethany Durling Inclusive Employment Team Manager

Carmen, who's in her 80's, has reduced mobility due to a car accident. She lives with her son, who works full time so has been attending Marylands for the last two years and is happier than ever

A volunteer and former customer at ECL Saffron Walden has returned home from the 2023 Berlin Special Olympics with two personal bests.

Introducing ECL's Inclusive Employment Employer Engagement Team

A day in the life of…Julia Prestney, ECL's Safeguarding Lead

ECL Inclusive Employment Business Manager receives accolade at 2023 National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards

ECL Ward-led Enablement Service wins prestigious NHS accolade

How a clinical approach to day centre care can improve the independence and wellbeing of adults with learning disabilities

ECL Sensory Support Service helps deafblind mother of two regain her independence

Sara, mum of two, is one of ECL's newest Community Care Assistants', read more to find out why she believes it's the perfect job for her.

A day in the life of…Ilona Bojaczuk, Physiotherapist, ECL Clinical Team

During her time with ECL, Donna has experienced most aspects of the business. Joining as a Community Care Assistant 5 years ago, she has become a Trusted Assessor, and now Local Business Manager.

Inclusive Employment – an employee perspective: Sarah Jennings

Inclusive Employment – an Employer's Perspective: The Lion Inn

ECL Colchester - Woodlands customer supported to connect with local community

Inclusive Employment service reaches key milestone – helping over 250 people with learning disabilities and/autism find jobs

Here we share a day in the life of Sally Dunster, Sensory Specialist Practitioner.

Customer with age related macular degeneration can enjoy her independence thanks to the ECL Sensory Team

ECL customer attends day centre that is the legacy of her late husband

ECL Sensory Support helps customer cope after being discharged from hospital

ECL’s Marylands Older People’s Day Service achieves Gold Accreditation from the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling.

A day in the life of… Alison Overton, Executive and Board Co-ordinator

After a rigorous audit from the Dementia Services Development Centre, the Older People Day Service at Charles Dickens has been awarded a gold accreditation for its dementia-friendly building design.

ECL Inclusive Employment team help prepare candidate for new job as a Crossing Patrol Guard.

Susan started her working life as an auxiliary nurse in London, but a move to West Sussex meant she had to leave the healthcare job she loved behind.

Rebecca has been with ECL for more than a decade, joining the business as a Community Care Assistant back in 2012. Since then, her career in care has gone from strength to strength

When Hannah decided to move on from her role supporting elderly people living with dementia in a nursing home, she carefully researched new opportunities.

ECL’s Reablement Service prevents couple from living apart

ECL Chelmsford – Highfields Day Service has transformed its garage space into horticulture hub.

A day in the life of ECL's Inclusive Employer Engagement Lead

ECL’s trailblazing programme of care is now being piloted by Hospitals in Basildon, Broomfield and Southend.

A new coffee shop has opened up at the ECL Headquarters office complex and we’re thrilled to say that one of our Inclusive Employment customers is part of the team of friendly baristas!

We spend a ‘day in the life’ of Tomislav (Tomi) Ciglenecki, Senior Physiotherapist within our West Essex Regulated team.

Our clinical team recently got to experience first-hand the impairments experienced by older people by taking part in GERT Suit Age Simulation Training.

The Mayor of Colchester took on a challenge to be a carer for the day on the 4th of January with our North Essex Reablement team.

Ward-led enablement programme gives independence back to 80-year old who lost the use of his legs

ECL has recently launched a ground-breaking programme of care at Colchester Hospital.

We’re pleased to announce that Sherry Mills, Older People Service Manager at ECL Colchester - Marylands has won a National Care Award.

ECL Community Care Assistant celebrates 25 years of care

ECL Clacton - Millicents Day Services recently made it possible for one of its customers living with advanced Alzheimer’s related dementia to attend her granddaughter’s wedding.

ECL’s sensory support service has received a ‘Stepping Forwards’ commendation from Deafblind UK.

For some people with autism, the unexpected loud noise and flashes of fireworks can cause anxiety and stress, we share some steps you can take to help them cope.

We’re delighted to announce that Fran Driver, Head of Quality and Governance has won the Social Care Leadership, Quality Assurance Leader Award.

Congratulations to Sherry Mills, Older People Service Manager at ECL Colchester Marylands who is a finalist in the National Care Awards 2022 in the category of Dementia Care Manager.

In celebration of World Animal Day (4 October) we take closer look at why being around them is so beneficial for customers in our Older People Day Services

With the cost of living rising to the highest levels that we have seen in 30 years, care staff are at the hard edge of this crisis.

MP for Clacton, Giles Watling met with an inclusive employer in Clacton as a show of support for an initiative that helps adults with learning disabilities and autism achieve paid employment.

ECL Crafty Drama held their annual Picnic in the Priory event in the beautiful grounds of St Botolph’s Church on Saturday the 23rd of July and were delighted to welcome some VIP guests.

ECL Loughton customers were joined by the Loughton Town Mayor to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the GROW Community Garden on Wednesday the 13th of July.

Essex has the highest percentage of population living with sight loss in the country, with 53,700people needing to access vital support and services.

We’re pleased to announce that the team at ECL Woodlands Crafty Drama has received the accolade of ‘Highly Commended’ by the judges at the 2022 National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards.

The Essex Sensory Community (ESC) has launched a new campaign as part of Essex Sensory Awareness Week (July 11-15) to empower people across the region with sight, hearing or dual sensory loss.

The Contact Centre phone lines are currently experiencing technical disruption and therefore we are unable to take calls at this present time.

Shirley Hawes is the love of John’s life. They met in 1960 when Shirley worked at the Co-op in Colchester and John was a regular customer there - ever hopeful of catching Shirley’s attention!

ECL recently welcomed Performing Pets to three of our older people day centres as part of our pet therapy programme for people living with dementia.

ECLs Crafty Drama group recently treated some of the ECL Marketing Team to a sneak preview of their planned performances for their upcoming Picnic in the Priory event.

During the coronavirus lockdowns of 2020, the Tyrells Day Centre team in Benfleet took a creative approach to customer welfare.

ECL Technical Officer for Deaf and Deafblind People, Carly Waters recently attended a 2-day Mental Health First Aid course for deaf people.

Our Chelmsford day centre received a welcome visit from The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Jude Deakin yesterday.

While hunting for a new job, a friend referred Harry to ECL’s community care team and he’s so glad they did…

Since joining ECL on an apprenticeship six years ago, Katie’s career has gone from strength to strength.

Most of us in the developed world have the luxury of being able to go anywhere in the community. For those living with autism, it can be far more challenging.

ECL purchased the 'CardioWall' for their Basildon day service several years ago and have been using it every day since.

Orla Fitzgerald, a member of ECL’s sensory team, has had quite the journey to becoming a Rehabilitation Worker for people with a visual impairment.

Christmas can be a difficult time if you have a loved one with autism, this blog contains top tips on how to survive the festive season.

The impact that providing unpaid care can have on a carer’s life, raising awareness of carer’s rights, and sharing ideas that can make a carer’s life that little bit easier.

ECL has won the prestigious award ‘Public Private Partnership’ at the Laing Buisson Awards for its Step 2 Home initiative which significantly eased pressure on the NHS during last year's lockdown.

ECL is thrilled to be in the running for a prestigious national award.

ECL staff have been announced as finalists in three categories of the Great British Care Awards - East of England Region

ECL has been announced as a finalist in two categories at the national LaingBuisson Awards, which celebrate success in the health and social care industry.

Leah Jackman aged 38 from Braintree lives with dual sensory loss, find out how ECL’s Sensory team supported her to regain her confidence and independence.

When Sensory Assistant and Sighted Guide, Bridget Shrimplin, first met Jamie, he had recently lost almost all of his eyesight and was struggling to cope.

Marylands Older People Service achieves ‘Outstanding’ in the Customer Support and Experience Domain of Quality and Governance Assurance Assessment (QGAA).

Highlighting the importance of regular sight and eye health checks for individuals with learning disabilities and explores the barriers and difficulties faced by many.

Read our blog to find out how ECL Chelmsford went about achieving a gold accreditation in Dementia Design from the University of Sterling

The ESC partnership offers a range of services for people with a sensory impairment, from home assessments and specialist one-to-one support, to supplying assistive equipment and social activities.

Millicents is first ECL Day Service to Achieve ‘Outstanding’ in the Customer Support and Experience Domain of Quality and Governance Assurance Assessment (QGAA).

Luke is a 26-year-old man with aspirations of being the next Tom Cruise in the film Cocktail!

Ground-breaking service supports Essex adults with learning disabilities and autism to achieve their aspirations of gaining paid employment.

ECL has further strengthened its board with the appointment of Bruce Moore and Steve Bennett as Non-Executive Directors.

When Katy* had a terrifying choking incident at home, her mum was understandably concerned about what this meant for her care going forward.

We are closely following advice from the Government and Public Health England, and are taking steps to help keep our customers and staff safe.

The new service supports older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia.

Educating people on the importance of maintaining eye health and going for regular sight tests. Top tips for looking after your sight.

Due to the increased usage of facemasks during Covid-19, people who are hard of hearing or Deaf have been unable to rely on lip-reading as a form of communication.

Piloting a new, innovative programme to support people in Essex with sensory impairments with exercise and social sessions.

This year we have teamed up with our partner organisations to share examples of how we have been able to support people with sensory impairments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you or somebody you know are feeling anxious, these four activities can be used to help you or them to feel calmer and more relaxed.

As part of an Essex County Council initiative with RETHINK Partners, ECL has been issued with 350 Alcove Carephones.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and pressures in the Health and Care system, ECL has been commissioned by Essex County Council to provide a new residential reablement service named ‘Step 2 Home’.

Staff have been utilising different forms of technology in order to stay regularly connected with customers.

Due to the Covid-19 situation, our Community Equipment service has seen an increase in orders, including same-day requests to provide essential, specialist equipment to the community.

Thanks to Fran and our other staff members who have agreed to move into these key frontline roles, we are able to continue to provide our essential services to the community.

We have already been hearing some amazing stories about the lengths our front-line workers are going to in order to support ECL’s essential care services.

Paula Wilcock, who works as a Community Care Assistant for ECL in West Sussex, was attending a customer’s home when a house fire broke out.

On Thursday 24th October, ECL (Essex Cares Ltd) held a huge party to celebrate the achievements of adults with learning disabilities from the West Essex area.

ECL’s Mid Essex Day Opportunities joined forces with Sir John Payne school on Friday 18 October to host a fantastic Art Gallery at Columbus College in Chelmsford.

ECL (Essex Cares Limited), the largest care provider in Essex, is marking its 10th anniversary with celebrations and award ceremonies for customers with learning disabilities.

ECL has appointed Michael McDonagh as the new Chairman of its board. Michael will take over from Peter Martin, who is retiring from the position, with effect from 1 September 2019.

ECL Community Equipment, has received ‘top marks’ from the Community Equipment Code of Practice Service (CECOPS), the independent certification and standards body.

Our ECL customer attended the third anniversary celebration of the GROW community garden, where they were presented with certificates by the Mayor of Loughton.

Essex Cares Limited (ECL), the largest care provider in Essex, has received an overall ‘outstanding’ Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating for its South East regulated service.

Well done Lawrence St George, a customer at our ECL Basildon Day Centre, for completing the Get Started with Firebreak course organised by the Prince’s Trust and Essex County Fire & Rescue Service.

After a growing number of requests for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu choices, the kitchen team at Roundwood Garden Centre & Café have launched a brand new menu.

ECL’s Crafty Drama group are set to return to the stage at the Mercury Theatre on Saturday 25 May.

Rosa was joined by over 7,000 athletes from 170 countries at the multi-sport event.

An innovative new software platform, StoriiCare, has be implemented across all of our older people day services.

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have launched a national recruitment campaign aiming to drive a new generation of people to consider and apply for a job in adult social care.

Essex Cares Ltd. (ECL) showcased the talents of adults with learning disabilities this month (February) by exhibiting their wide range of original paintings at Colchester Library.

The West Sussex North ECL team recently held their team building session and decided that they wished to give something back to the wider community.

We recently partnered with ASDAN to further enhance our in-centre offering.

After difficulties experienced by national care provider, Allied Healthcare, Essex County Council used its Local Authority Trading Company, Essex Cares Ltd, to secure care for people in Essex.

Customers supported by ECL recently enjoyed a festive Fayre within the Essex County Council atrium, selling unique products designed and made by adults with learning disabilities.

ECL (Essex Cares Ltd) in conjunction with Everyman Cinema Chelmsford earlier this week celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

ECL Maldon Day Centre today celebrated 25 years of providing care to adults with learning disabilities at the centre and in the community.

We have teamed up with Mitie, the UK's leading facilities management company, to support adults with disabilities who are seeking paid employment.

New scheme to help older people access day care services in Chelmsford and surrounding areas by providing a private transport service.

Emma is a new member of staff who, upon induction, was trained in Basic Life Support.

A ground-breaking report lifts the lid on how tech-savvy older people are in Essex

Undertaken by staff and customers after the idea of making a sculpture was born from working on another project.

Following inspections by the CQC at the end of 2017, three Essex regions have transformed their CQC ratings in just one year. In each region they have been assessed as "Good" and "Outstanding".

We are pleased to confirm that we have been awarded Level 2: Disability Confident Employer.

This year we celebrate the very first Essex Sensory Awareness Week.

Raising awareness of the condition.

Useful fact sheet to download.

Available to download now.