Making Strides Programme
Making Strides is a programme designed to help young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to access sustainable employment opportunities in London (Hounslow, Islington & Tower Hamlets), Birmingham and Sandwell.
Young adults with learning disabilities can face challenges around getting into the workplace. Just 4.8% of adults with learning disabilities and autism known to adult services get into paid work, compared to 80% of their peers.
With the right support, young people with mild to moderate learning disabilities have a lot to offer employers, and by extension, their wider communities. Our work focuses on building on the strengths and talents of young people, while developing key life and work skills like confidence, self-awareness, independence and ambition.
Making Strides is a programme which provides young adults with a specialist Progression Coach, who will offer support through one-to-one coaching session and group workshops. Participants will have access to a range of support that will help them to identify their future aspirations, develop their personal and professional skill set, access peer support and ultimately seek to secure paid employment.
The consistent presence of a skilled coach is complimented by a Business Partnerships Manager who links young adults with relevant employers to provide work insight days and work experience opportunities. They also support employers to tailor their offer to the needs of young people.
This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.