Kristian Roberts, Mechline marketing manager said: “We are absolutely delighted and proud that our partnership with MK SNAP has won the Long Term Partnership category in the Third Sector Business Charity Awards.
“There were some fantastic projects from Asda, Deloitte LLP, Network Rail, Sky and UBS in the same category and so to come out on top is extra special.”
One of the award judges, Faiza Khan, engagement and insight director at the National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Mechline adapts its work practices to different individuals’ needs and provides a good level of wrap-around support, helping its service users and staff develop and be fulfilled.
“This is a unique example of a charity partnership being a central part of how the charity delivers its services. MK SNAP has also had a wider impact on the community and employers, something that is probably possible only because of Mechline's long-term dedication.”
Mechline outsources part of the labelling, cleaning and packaging of its Dormont commercial kitchen gas hoses to MK SNAP - whose fully trained learners work together under the supervision of a tutor.
To ensure the project is fully inclusive, Mechline has built personalised aids and adaptations at work stations to enable those with different disabilities to carry out the variety of assembly tasks and produce the expected top quality products.
Roberts added: “MK SNAP service users have been an indispensable part of the Mechline team for over 25 years and their ‘can do’ attitude and reliable assembly services has made a positive contribution to our business.
“It’s been particularly rewarding to see the confidence of the service users blossom during their work with us and heartening that many have gone on to find work at the end of their assignment.”
Angela Novell, chief executive of MK SNAP said: “This is fantastic national recognition of an excellent longstanding partnership. Mechline have been so supportive to us over the years providing work for our people with learning disabilities. Through the assembling of components people with learning disabilities build skills, confidence and work-readiness for jobs.”