Learning Disability Awareness Week is 17 – 23 June 2024. This year’s theme, ‘Do you see me? ‘ is all about being seen, heard and valued. Being valued means that people with learning disabilities are listened to and respected. Learning Disability Week is a time to celebrate what people with learning disabilities do and challenge the barriers they face.
Skills for work
Lambeth hosted a Project SEARCH Supported Internship Assessment Day bringing together partners such as Lambeth Council’s Skills & Employment and SEND Teams, businesses offering internships in Lambeth such as NHS England and King’s College Hospital, and employability providers Kaleidoscope and Unity Works. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) were there to answer parents’ and carers’ benefits-related questions, and explain the support families can get.
Supported internships
Project SEARCH is an international programme for people aged 18 -24 with learning disabilities and autism to get work experience. Supported Internships are work-based study programmes for 16-24yr olds who have an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP) and want to work. These programmes help young people go from an education environment into work, with support from a Job coach and Mentor (the employer).
The event highlighted:
- Assessment Process: understanding people’s skills and support needs, ensuring they get on programmes that support them to flourish, gain knowledge, and prepare for permanent paid work.
- Peer Interaction: Current interns – including young people who’ve been working at King’s College Hospital – shared their experiences and answered questions, providing valuable insight and offering real-life perspectives for future interns.
Sarah Hamilton of charity DFN said: “What’s amazing about today is seeing different businesses come together, young people find out more about the different jobs available, and everyone’s just done incredibly. I can’t wait for the next session.”
More information
- Video from the day: (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/oks4j39lpqlnlg98mpjzi/Project-Search-Assessment-Day-2024.mp4?rlkey=undjffcrg1x9agagatf2c316t&dl=0
- Images: https://x.com/opplambeth/status/1788896773752201484
- Project SEARCH in the UK began in 2008 and today runs over 70 schemes throughout the UK and Europe. They have supported more than 1,500 young people into paid work. Project SEARCH website
