Pembrokeshire County Council’s Norman Industries - Pembrokeshire’s largest employer of disabled people - celebrated its 40th anniversary at a special showcase event.

The event, held at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, was an opportunity to showcase the success of disabled people who are employed.

It also celebrated disability confident employers, gave information about specialist employment support, transport and benefit advice.

The event was organised by Norman Industries in partnership with Workways+, Pembrokeshire People First, Dewis Centre for Independent Living and the Experience 4 Industry project.

Everyone involved in organising the event promotes the message that ‘disabled people can work and want to work’.

Norman Industries has been a supported factory since 1977.

It was the inspiration of the late Clr. Annie Norman who wanted to give people with disability opportunity for work.

Over the years, Norman Industries has been supported by a number of DWP employment programmes and is currently a Supported Factory under the Work Choice programme.

Norman Industries manufactures and supplies high quality wooden furniture.

Its training and support enables disabled people to have a paid job and gives then greater independence and self-esteem.

Thirty-two people are currently employed at Norman Industries of which 29 are disabled or have a long-term health condition which impacts on their ability to work.

In addition, Norman Industries supports approximately 50 people a week for work experience or training.

Lee Adams has hand arm vibration syndrome and was constantly turned away from job opportunities.

He joined Norman Industries in December 2015 and says it was a turning point.

“I came to Norman Industries through a work programme and I didn’t know what to expect.

“It’s turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

“The support I’ve received has helped me with a change in career and I’m now employed to support others as a participant support officer.”

David Hughes, who is a Workways+ participant, attends Norman Industries with Friday, his medical support dog.

“The benefit of Norman Industries is that I can take Friday with me, she looks after my type 1 Diabetes and Adderson’s disease.

“I have always found it hard to get employment because of my illnesses and I am hoping that the carpentry qualification I get from attending Norman Industries will improve my prospects for a job.”

Pembrokeshire County Council learning disability champion, Clr. Simon Hancock believes Norman Industries will go from strength to strength.

“Disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people and their confidence suffers because of it.

“Over the past 40 years, Norman Industries has helped people regain their confidence by offering employment, support and training.

“The work they produce is outstanding and is a testament to everyone involved and I’ve no doubt this will continue for another 40 years and beyond.”

A video showing the success of people attending Norman Industries was shown at the event. The video featured a number of people who are currently working with Norman Industries and can be found on the Norman Industries Facebook page.

Search on Facebook using @NormanIndustries