<p>Autism Plus adds value to lives. Within Autism Plus is the project I work on called First Routes. This project is designed to aid our Service Users to develop and build the very first routes they need towards entering the world of employment. One aspect of this service is the Tuck Shop social enterprise. Through these tuck shops we offer an apprenticeship scheme that gives our Service Users the opportunity to taste the real world of work often for the very first time. The tuck shops operate out of day services, one in Sheffield, one in Doncaster. The beauty of these apprenticeships is that they offer the same rewards as employment in an ordinary setting a.k.a a wage but in the familiar and supportive environment of our day centres. These opportunities not only develop an incentive to continue the drive for paid employment elsewhere on completion but a chance to learn and the develop the skills required in any professional setting; confidence, responsibility and communication skills to name but a few.</p> <p>In times such as these funding grows ever scarce. The apprenticeship scheme is at grave risk of coming to an end already after only the first two six-month apprenticeships due to a lack funding.</p> <p>Myself and Jill have pledged to raise the money necessary to keep this scheme afloat for the length of at least another two apprenticeships. We are taking on a two pronged challenge. The first is an event called the Belvoir Challenge, a cross country marathon for which only the brave, foolhardy or desperate need apply (you decide which category we fall in). The second is the Blackpool marathon - a straight forward road race. Belvoir takes place 26/2/2012 and Blackpool 11/3/2012. We are approaching Belvoir as more of a warm up exercise for Blackpool at which we intend to put in times below four hours, hopefully quicker.</p> <p>&pound;500 is the sum required to pay for one more apprenticeship so the more we can raise obviously the better and hopefully many more apprenticeships can be offered out in future.</p> <p>Your support is vital. Donate what you can.</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Dom</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>