About Us
“Bridging Employability Solutions and Training (BEST) empowers people with disabilities to build skills, confidence and real-world opportunities. We partner with individuals, families and employers to create inclusive pathways into meaningful work.
Our team combines lived experience with professional expertise to deliver practical training, workplace readiness and ongoing support. Together, we’re breaking down barriers and helping every person we work with move closer to their goals and a more independent future.”
Rememberance Lamps
When a loved one has passed away, why not have a beautiful lamp made from their favourite item? Simply pass it our way and our brilliant workforce will create a bespoke lamp – a loving tribute that will never fade.
"I had a gardening fork of my grandad’s. My favourite memories are of us at his allotment, digging up veggies for Gran. When the lamp came back, I was lost for words. It now sits by my bed, the first thing I see every morning, and it makes me smile."
by Jorgie and Lilli B
Barrel Products
“Our unique barrel collection showcases the craftsmanship of our talented team. Each piece is thoughtfully repurposed, blending sustainable design with functional art to enhance any space beautifully.”
Our Day Services
Started Oct 6
70 British pounds
1 hr 30 min
110 British pounds
Empowering Inclusion
“This powerful partnership between North Devon’s DES and Sandwell’s BEST opens new doors for individuals with disabilities, offering tailored support and hands-on training that build lasting confidence. By combining our resources, we are creating sustainable career pathways and inclusive job opportunities that empower members of our community to achieve their full professional potential.”
10+
Years of dedicated support for disabled individuals in the UK
Success Story
What a year can change.
My experience and how supported employment helped me.
Before starting work at Disability Engagement Services (DES), I was not familiar with supported
employment. I knew I wanted to re-enter the workplace, although I did not know exactly what I
wanted to do or how I might find such an opportunity. I felt stuck in my life at the time, lacking
confidence and direction to find a way forward.
Thanks to a very close friend, I was able to meet Amanda, and we discussed the wonderful
opportunities DES had to offer and how they had helped many others to find an inclusive,
supportive and friendly working environment. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of hope
to get back into working society with a company that could really understand my personal
challenges and help me work through them. I was lucky enough to have an open discussion where I
was actually heard, and I have really found my place within the company since.
Beginning my first day at The Tarka Yard, I was unsure of what exactly to expect. I was
experiencing first-day nerves; however, walking into the office, I was met with smiling faces and a
friendly, reassuring atmosphere. I immediately felt at ease. I began working on the Animal Care
Team, maintaining the animals we care for within the Yard. Every day I built my experience and my
confidence in turn. I have made many friends and learned so much about both the animals and
myself. However, it wasn’t without its struggles. One of the many ways that the team and support
workers helped me when I was struggling or experiencing anxiety was that they were always
around to listen. If I was having a very bad day or I just didn’t know how to do something, they
listened and worked with me to help me find a way forward.
After working with the animals for many months, I decided to try expanding my experiences within
DES, and I began working in the office, helping the staff where I could, and I am loving every minute
of it. One of the amazing benefits that working here has to offer is that there are so many jobs you
can try; be it woodworking and joinery, painting and maintenance, pyrography and crafts, animal
care and art or design and hospitality. There is so much to learn. I have had the opportunity to build
skills in what interests me, and I have been guided and supported every step of the way. The sister
site, The Farm, is also available to work within, where you can learn gardening, farm animal care
and more. There is never a lack of opportunity to learn and the best part is that you can do it in your
own time.
In my year within the company, I have grown so much. I’m still learning, but this is the first
workplace that I have been supported fully in. No judgement, just understanding and a way
forward. Working alongside the staff at DES has given me direction, confidence in myself and skills
I will carry forward every day. Whether you’re interested in creative work or something more
hands-on, they will have something to try.
One of the ethoses that DES have is ‘consistency is key, taking it one day at a time’. This is
incredibly helpful to me for managing my anxiety within the workplace. If you think supported
employment and the opportunities Disability Engagement Services have to offer are something you
are interested in, get in touch with us; we will be happy to hear from you.
By Lois @DES