OPPORTUNITIES
It ’ s our choice
A local project is starting its second year of helping young adults with additional needs grow in confidence and learn the practical skills they need for the world of work . Deborah Dickey reports .
Kajani Ambikaiplan
Project Choice is run by Health Education England . Working with the West London NHS Trust , Ealing Council and local schools , it provides tailored support to 18-24 year-olds with learning difficulties , disabilities or autism , giving them hands-on work experience , alongside classroom study . The end goal of these supported internships is work or university .
Ealing Council is funding placements for local students as part of its Future Ealing programme ; giving them the support they need now to live more independent and fulfilling lives .
‘ I LEARNED NEW SKILLS ’ Kajani Ambikaiplan has been working alongside staff in the library at West London NHS Trust headquarters , in Southall . She said : “ I felt a bit nervous when they first said about the library , but now I ’ m happy . I learned new skills .”
Aaron Parker is working in administration , also at the trust ’ s headquarters . He said : “ I felt quite excited and cheerful when I first
Aaron Parker
started . It wasn ’ t easy , but I just got on with it . I like helping the other staff .”
When asked what it would mean to them to them to have a job , Kajani said : “ Freedom !”
THEY ARE VALUED . THEY ARE WANTED Annette Lafitte is the project coordinator and is one of the staff who have been guiding the young people through their journey at Project Choice . It was clear to see the emotion when she talked about her learners .
She said : “ Imagine a young person
Watch a video at aroundealing . com / news / choice with SEND needs who struggled at school , has gone to college and done course after course and has seen no end . To move to a course that is focused on employment gives the learners a boost . It gives them a sense that they are valued . That they are wanted . And they are able to do a normal job .”
Despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic , five young people from the 2020 intake have graduated , with one moving on to university and another already in work . And the course is already over-subscribed for this September .
GET INVOLVED If you could offer a work placement or a job to a Project Choice learner , get in touch on email annette . lafitte @ hee . nhs . uk - the team offers ongoing support to employers .
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