SEARCH finds jobs for SEN youngsters

AMID VERY difficult economic circumstances, public sector bodies have come together across East London to help young people aged 16 to 24 who have a learning disability to find employment.

The partners in the scheme – Project SEARCH – are the NHS, Waltham Forest Council, and local schools and colleges. To mark their achievements, and those of the young people who have joined the scheme, they have held a graduation ceremony.

The scheme begins by helping participants learn “work skills” by inviting them to work as interns, but the clear aim is to help participants find secure jobs. The interns undertake three ten week placements in Newham, The Royal London or Whipps Cross hospitals – choosing from a wide variety of departments and duties. They are supported by mentors and receive training in the tasks they have to do, as well as help in considering how to move forward and find a career in a suitable area.

Project SEARCH graduation ceremony

It is not clear whether the interns are paid for their work, or whether they are encouraged to join a trade union.

Of the interns who have been through the scheme in the last four years, it is estimated that 75% have found employment – either working for Barts Health NHS Trust or for other organisations in the community.

The Project is co-ordinated by the Whitefield Academy Trust. This body unites Whitefield Schools (which had developed expertise in special education) and the Joseph Clarke School (which had developed expertise in teaching those with visual impairment). It is sad to see such exceptional institutions come out of the state sector and enter the murky world of the Trust sector, but schools have been under pressure to make this move for some time.

Another partner in the Project is the Kaleidoscope Sabre supported employment services, about which little is known. It is not clear whether the Trust and Kaleidescope are receiving public funding for their contribution to the Project.

Andrew Attfield, Associate Director of Public Health at Barts Health NHS Trust, said, “We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop to their full potential, and it has been a delight to support our hard-working and capable graduates to flourish during the time they’ve spent with us. Secure employment is one of the key foundations for a long-term healthy lifestyle. With many students having come to our hospitals from a young age, it made sense for them to gain skills in a familiar environment. I’m delighted that so many have benefited from the experience. My congratulations to everyone graduating.”

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