A TWO-YEAR project to support people with learning disabilities and autism to find work has been launched.

The project, backed by £280,000 of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investment, will include four new picture books to promote group discussions on finding and keeping a job.

Beyond Words is a social enterprise which already produces unique books, services and training for people who find pictures easier to understand than words.

Its new project builds on the success of book groups for people with learning disabilities and autism and will be the start of a new focus on four stages of employment including leaving school or college, volunteering, finding work and staying in a job.

As part of the project, new book clubs focused on work will be developed across England, where the books will be used to start conversations. People with learning disabilities will be trained as a national network of peer supporters to work with the clubs.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Damian Green, said: “A disability should not dictate the path a person is able to take in life. What should count is a person’s talent and their determination to succeed.

“Beyond Words book clubs help people with a learning disability to break down the barriers they face. It’s a brilliant project that offers people with learning disabilities the support they need. I look forward to working with them.”