This year’s theme for National Inclusion Week 2024 is ‘Impact Matters’. It highlights how important it is to have diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplaces. Many employers have misconceptions about people with learning difficulties and disabilities, but in the right job, they can perform just as well as others, often take less sick leave, and can bring new perspectives and boost team morale, creating a more positive community.
The Services for Young People (SfYP) Supported Employment Team provides specialised support to young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, helping them towards paid employment. Supported Employment Advisers in the team train and coach young people to prepare them for the world of work and support them to find a job that’s right for them. They also provide support in the workplace.
Mia (not her real name) had previously taken part in an employment-based programme with SfYP, where she completed a 70-hour work experience placement at a local care home and received positive feedback. After this successful placement, she was referred to SfYP’s Local Supported Employment programme, which helps young people aged 18 to 25 with autism and/or learning disabilities into paid employment.
One of the stages of the programme is ‘Vocational profiling’, where young people are supported to identify their goals and create a plan to achieve them. This process enabled Mia to identify her interests, employment goals, and work preferences. With the support of her SfYP Supported Employment Adviser, she updated her CV, learnt how to search for jobs, and applied for several roles. An exciting opportunity came up when the care home where she had previously completed work experience had a vacancy for a part-time housekeeping role.
With some interview preparation, including fun techniques like creating songs to help her remember key terms and acronyms, she confidently attended the interview. The care home manager allowed her Adviser to join the interview, providing extra support to make the process more comfortable. With the help of this preparation and support, the interview went well, and she was offered the job the next day.
SfYP then worked with Mia and her employer to ensure the right support was in place for her to start work. During her first month, she learned the basics with one-on-one help from a senior housekeeper and her Adviser supported her with the online training to help her settle into the role. Her employer gave very positive feedback, saying how well she fitted in with the team. The Adviser has continued to offer in-work support, working through a list of tasks with Mia to ensure everything is completed to a high standard. This ongoing support has been effective, boosting her confidence and helping her perform well.
Now, with a regular income, Mia is enjoying the freedom of having her own money. She can do more with her friends and has even redecorated her bedroom. Her social circle has expanded through work, and she loves the relationships she has built with the residents and staff at the care home. There has been a noticeable improvement in her confidence, she feels more comfortable asking questions and believes in herself and her abilities.
Mia’s story is a powerful example of the difference inclusive employment can make and how important it is. With the right support, Mia feels valued in the workplace and is reaching her potential.
Her parent said, “Thank you for your continued support with my daughter, she is really enjoying her work.”
Her manager added, “Mia always has a positive attitude, lifts the team’s morale, and is always happy to help others. We are pleased to have her on our team. Thank you for all the support you have given us and Mia.”
If you are interested in learning more about SfYP’s Supported Employment programmes, please visit our Supported Employment webpage or use the SfYP referral form to refer a young person:
Our support for employers
SfYP offers a free recruitment service to local employers, matching the right person to the right job and ensuring they get the support and training they need to succeed. Our services include finding the right person for the job, using proven training methods, increasing understanding of learning difficulties and disabilities, and providing ongoing support and advice for an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Interested employers can contact our SfYP SEND duty line on 01438 844999 or email [email protected].
Local Supported Employment is funded by the Department of Work and Pensions.
