Speaker - Karen Quinn -Triple A - ZOOM

Exciting prospects for those with Autism in Cumbria

At this week’s meeting Penrith Rotary were treated to an inspiring talk from Karen Quinn, Chair of Trustees of Triple A Cumbria, and Bill Morris the founder of the Blue Star Recycling project based in Colorado USA.

Triple A was founded by Helen Storey, who has a long and successful record of developing projects to support marginalised communities.

The Triple A team has designed a pathway of support for autistic adults, which focuses on social support, criminal and social justice but also health & well-being.

Bill explained how Blue Star Recyclers, established in Colorado Springs 12 years ago, has developed to become a company that can provide a social return on investment while still paying the bills.

He continued to tell us that their first business model was to recycle electronics and other materials while creating local jobs for people with autism and other disAbilities, turning e-waste into real, local jobs.

He also emphasised strongly that those with autism, far from being unemployable, bring considerable skills to the workplace and provide a stable, reliable and effective workforce. During the whole existence of Blue Star staff absenteeism has been virtually zero and staff turnover has been a fraction of that of similar industries.

As well as the recycling Blue Star also work with other employers in manufacturing and other industries, training them to integrate those with autism and other disAbilities into their workforce.

Karen continued by explaining that Triple A in Cumbria are delighted to announce that Triple A and Blue Star Recyclers have partnered together to help bring meaningful jobs to people with autism in Cumbria.

Triple A are working with Blue Star founder Bill Morris to bring a replication of the fantastic working and proven model of Blue Star to the UK, starting in Cumbria.

Their aim is to increase the employment opportunities for individuals with autism by creating jobs that are both meaningful and paid appropriately.

They are excited to be on this journey with Bill and Blue Star and look forward to launching their new venture in 2021! Bill will be coming to Cumbria later in the year to help with this launch.

So watch this space!