Simon says swap places for the day
A County Council boss has swapped places with a Warwick woman with learning disabilities.
Simon Robson, Head of County Partnerships in the Partnerships and Performance Unit at Warwickshire County Council, swapped places with Carol O’Gara who works as a domestic at the council’s Community Support Services in Leamington.
Simon and Carol were keen to switch roles to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with a learning disability.
Simon took on Carole’s domestic duties including washing dishes, cleaning the work surfaces, sweeping and mopping the floor in the main kitchen area, and preparing refreshments for the afternoon.
Carol explained that she had taken on an aspect of Simon’s job a few months earlier, and presented certificates and awards to County Council staff.
She added: “Simon would make a good domestic, his was very good at washing up.”
Simon said: “We decided to do this to support Mencap’s campaign ‘Changing Places, Changing Lives’ as sometimes society is unaware of the difficulties faced by people with learning disabilities.”
Jackie Grant, manager of the council’s Warwick and Leamington Community Support Services, said:
“Our service is all about supporting people with learning disabilities to overcome barriers and challenges and reach their potential. Carol should be very proud of what she has achieved, her help and support at lunch time is of great value to the customers and staff of the service.”