Supported Internship students help to raise thousands of pounds for breast cancer charities

Supported Internships are designed for young people 16-24 with an Education, Health, and Care plan (EHCP) who are looking for a route into paid work.

The programme includes a structured, work-based programme with a substantial work placement, facilitated by the support of a job coach.

Last month, our current group of DFN Project SEARCH Supported Interns began their programme at Asda Fulwood.

Since starting their journey the students have come such a long way. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow, their independence develop and their workplace skills flourish. From learning new tasks and supporting customers to becoming valued members of their departments, they have so much to be proud of.

Last week, they were also part of something truly special as Asda Fulwood supported the Tickled Pink campaign, raising money to help support breast cancer charities.  The amazing colleagues came together to support one of their own as a colleague bravely had her head shaved for the fantastic cause.

Together, they helped to raise more than £2,500.

Sarah Cuerden, DfN Project Search Lecturer, said: ‘’I couldn’t be prouder of our interns for being part of such a positive, supportive and caring team. Seeing them grow in confidence, get involved in store activities and experience the power of teamwork makes me so proud of what they are achieving.

‘’A huge well done to all our interns and a massive thank you to the wonderful Asda Fulwood colleagues who continue to encourage, support and champion them every day. This is what inclusion, teamwork and community spirit are all about!

‘’Here’s to how far they’ve come already — and all the amazing things still to come! ‘’

Myerscough College continues to offer opportunities for young people who are neurodivergent or have learning disabilities to gain valuable skills in the workplace.

At the end of the programme the interns stand a real chance of gaining employment. Their employability skills are significantly enhanced from when they started. Their work colleagues and supervisors also have the opportunity to experience the value first hand of employing a young person with special or additional needs.

A vital part of the programme is about removing misconceptions regarding young people with learning difficulties with employers. Many in the workplace are surprised what a positive contribution these young people make. It’s about creating work-ready young people and removing any barriers that may be present in the workplace that could stop the employer from taking on such a young person.

Just six percent of young people with learning difficulties are in employment, and the aim of the scheme is to help them transition from education into the world of work, so they can live more independently and don’t become socially isolated.

Find out more about this programme here