The Disability Employment Service (DES) is free for Derbyshire residents who are:
- aged 18+
- have a disability or a long-term health condition, including mental health
- unemployed
How we can help you
We believe that anyone who wants to work, can work including people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and neurodivergence including autism.
Our team can support you to access:
- employment opportunities
- training and education
- work experience or volunteering
- apprenticeships and supported internships
- specialist wellbeing services.
We do this by:
- getting to know you and learning about your history, knowledge and skills.
- learning about your disability or health condition so we can help you find the right opportunities for you.
- giving you details about other services who may be able to help you.
- helping you create a CV and learn how to update it in the future.
- helping you to register on job search websites, and to learn how to job search independently.
- helping you learn other skills such as writing job applications, and with interview techniques.
- speaking with employers for you to help get the best opportunities for you.
- speaking with employers about your needs in the workplace and how they can support you.
Our project officers will arrange to meet you face-to-face in the community or you can have appointments on the phone or online.
Get in touch
If you would like any of this support, you can ‘make a referral’ yourself.
Make a referral
For professionals making a referral, please leave your contact details under ‘referrers details’.
You can also email asch.disability.employmentproject@derbyshire.gov.uk
Or you can leave us a message for someone to get back to you on telephone: 01629 538381 (8am to 4pm Monday to Friday).
DES testimonials
Here's some of the great feedback we've received:
"Without your help and support I would not have attended the event; I would not be in my dream job."
– DES Participant
“You’ve been a big part of turning my life around. It’s been so valuable to have someone who genuinely cares”
– DES Participant
“The project officer was very professional, friendly and extremely helpful.”
– DES Participant
“I have finally got a job. I’m doing a 4-week trial but I’m very positive I’m going to get it anyway. I mostly should be thanking you because without your help on the CV, I might have not got in.”
– DES Participant
“As we all expected B is absolutely thrilled to be part of the team at the farm and loves working with all the animals and meeting all the children and parents. It's been a fabulous experience for her, and it’s had a tremendous impact on her wellbeing and personal confidence level. Just an all-round fantastic experience!”
– Professional working in partnership with the participant.