Crag Spring Water based at The Crag Inn, Wilboarclough and owned by local businessman Doran Binder has recently gained recognition by the national press. Having identified a source of “exceptionally high-quality water", which was "unique" to the surrounding area and flowing beneath his property, Doran decide to begin bottling and selling the water. 3 years on and Doran now employs 14 staff, one of whom acquired employment after undertaking a WorkTaste placement organised by local charity The Rossendale Trust.
The Trust’s WorkTaste programme seeks to provide opportunities to people with learning disabilities to gain experience in the workplace and develop skills which can hopefully prepare them for paid employment.
Shemek?Plowiec?came to seek assistance from The Rossendale Trust’s WorkTaste scheme after a?social media search by his mum. Shemek had a burning desire to get into paid work but having learning disabilities meant that a conventional road into employment was not going to be easy.
Shemek began a 4-week,?3-hour?placement at Crag Spring Water, where he was supported by a?WorkTaste Coach. His duties were to wash, fill?and pack bottles of beautiful spring water?into crates. It didn’t take long for Doran to witness Shemek’s exceptional physical and mental skills. His ability to take instruction,?delivered in a systematic way by his coach and consistently to repeat the process without fault astounded Doran.
After the 4 weeks were up Doran had no doubt or?hesitation in offering Shemek a?contract for?a full day of paid work.?Shemek signed an employment contract on 20th?November 2019 and continues to work there today, now working two days a week.
The Trust’s WorkTaste programme is a huge success but does rely on local business support and an understanding of what the placements are trying to achieve. Doran was eager to provide a meaningful placement to Shemek and that’s exactly what he did. Doran is passionate about running a business which is "environmentally and socially-friendly". As he explains “I have been gifted this and I want to give something back. I want to be able to employ as many people as possible who need a break in life.” Crag Spring Water really are "a shining example" of how local businesses can work alongside this local charity to provide valuable opportunities to people on their WorkTaste programme.
And as Doran’s business continues to grow, the Trust are delighted that he has agreed to provide two additional WorkTaste placements in 2021. As Doran himself says “We are very excited about the new starters joining as we need their help and skills.” The Trust are hoping that these placements prove just as successful for the participants and with the support from Doran, his staff and their WorkTaste coaches we are sure they will be.
The Rossendale Trust provides supported?living care to adults with learning and physical disabilities, in?purpose-built?apartments in Sutton and Macclesfield, and houses in Buxton.