Recycling scheme offers work chances

The Bradford District Care Trust has teamed up with entrepreneur Ian Cowling for a recycling project called Bottle Rescue.

The scheme to recycle beer bottles will provide jobs and training for up to eight adults with learning disabilities. Mr Cowling, the owner of Old Bear Brewery in Keighley, approached the care trust for help in setting up the project.

The Bradford District Care Trust’s supported employment manager, Maxine Kneeshaw, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this scheme. It provides the perfect environment to help people with learning disabilities gain transferrable skills in a real workplace. This means they have a much better chance of getting a paid job.

“We have recruited two support workers to the scheme and we are working with local colleges to put together a package of accredited training. This helps provide a valuable stepping stone to employment. Even better, as well as providing a better future for people with learning disabilities, it’s helping to save the planet.”

Mr Cowling has invested in the site, adapting his premises to include facilities for wheelchair users.

He said: “I have taken part in a similar scheme in the past so I know that it can provide valuable work for people with learning disabilities.

“The Bradford District Care Trust has been brilliant in working with me to get the idea off the ground. Their commitment to the project has given me the confidence to take it forward.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the trust’s learning disabilities team and service users to make this a real success.”

If the project is successful, it is hoped it can be rolled out in other towns in the area.

Through the scheme, bottles are collected from pubs then sorted, washed and re-sold.