DFN Project SEARCH is a one-year transition to work programme for young adults with a learning disability or autism spectrum conditions, or both. Working with DSFS, DFN have created supported employment internships for young people in their last year of education, helping them to take positive first steps into the world of work.

DSFS have had 4 placements this year, all have experienced working in different areas of the business including the Shop and Costa coffee, ICT, Clinical Engineering and as part of our theatre portering team. It has been a very positive experience for both the individual and the business. One of the interns on placement has said the following that we couldn’t agree more with “It is important to celebrate neurodiversity and supported internships because people have different brains and deserve to have equal chances to get into work”.

The team from the Shop @ the Royal say Aidan has helped us as well as we’ve helped him, so patience and care, understanding and being compassionate help the environment to be a better place ”.

Alan Marples, Specialist Clinical Engineer says having an intern has “helped us to become more aware of different needs of individuals, also the qualities they can bring to the team”.

DSFS will continue to support young adults through project search moving forward.