Skip To Content

The People First Academy

Connie in Riverbank Kitchen

The People First Academy is a practical alternative to traditional day services

We help people with learning disabilities and autistic people learn new things, develop skills and confidence, become ready for employment, increase their independence and their wellbeing.

Founded within the Self Advocacy movement, our Academy celebrates the things that people can achieve when they are given the chance to do things they may have not otherwise had the opportunity to.

In person at our sites in Carlisle and Workington, and delivered online for those who can’t join us in person, our offer is organised into five flexible programmes:

  • Hospitality: developing work skills and confidence
  • Best Life: Builds life skills
  • Travel Training: building independent travel skills
  • Creating Careers: helping people secure/succeed in employment.

People who take part in The People First Academy can choose to focus on one of these programmes or their own combination based on the things they are interested in and the goals they want to achieve.

Explore each of our courses below. 

    "We believe that people can achieve a lot when they are given the right support. Whether it’s travelling independently to meet friends, getting a job that rewards contribution, or feeling more confident to speak up, our programmes are all about helping people reach their potential, whilst making new friends and experiencing new challenges. As a proud local provider, we care deeply about each of the learners that join our Academy, and the communities we share; together we can help more people to lead fuller, fulfilled lives.” Adam Hughes, Head of Enterprise

Our friendly team

  • Adam
    Head of Communications and Enterprise
  • Adam
    Travel Champion
  • Aliesha - Receptionist job coach
    Aliesha
    Receptionist Job Coach
  • Becky
    Microenterprise Manager
  • Bethia
    Job Coach
  • Chris
    Independent Travel Team Leader
  • Debbie
    Education and Employability Co-ordinator
  • Emma
    Employability Team Leader
  • Faye
    Education Manager
  • Meet the team - Hannah from Education
    Hannah
    Employability Team Leader
  • Helen
    Job Coach
  • Jacqueline
    Job Coach
  • Jason
    Job Coach
  • Jenny
    Best Life Assessor
  • Katie
    Job Coach
  • Liz
    Cook: Job Coach
  • Board of trustees image
    Lou
    Travel Champion
  • Marcus
    Kitchen Assistant
  • Maria
    Job Coach
  • Mary
    Travel Coach
  • Mia
    Employability Job Coach
  • Natalie
    Partnerships Manager
    01228 236336
  • Neil
    Estates Officer
  • Patricia
    Sessional Worker
  • Rachel
    Job Aide
  • Roseanne
    Job Coach
  • Tracy
    Chef
  • Trish
    Hospitality Team Leader
  • Vic
    Hospitality Manager