Tom Robinson and Kaitlin Knight, members of DFN Project SEARCH’s Youth Advisory Group, have been invited to the Houses of Parliament to celebrate National Supported Internship Day.
Ahead of the interns’ trip to London, Conservative MP for Burnley, Antony Higginbotham, will be visiting The Calico Group to speak about the role of a Member of Parliament, and to help prepare them for the Houses of Parliament trip. Anthony has also offered to meet them both in London to give them a private tour.
DFN Project SEARCH provides supported internships for people with learning difficulties and autism spectrum conditions, making a positive difference to the lives of young people looking to build their work experience while studying at college.
In Burnley, the programme supports people with work placements within The Calico Group and local businesses. The Calico Group is the host employer, working in partnership with Burnley College and Lancashire County Council.
Maria Bolton, Project SEARCH Employment Coach, said: “Supported internships, such as DFN Project SEARCH, are life changing for young adults with autism and/or learning disabilities, as it empowers them to overcome barriers to employment.
“Being in work can change everything about someone’s life. They become more socially involved, independent and earning their own income means they have choice.”
Sarah Moorhouse, Project SEARCH Tutor, said: “They are both really excited to attend, Kaitlin has never been to London before, so it is a big experience for her.”
DFN Project SEARCH are also hosting a People’s Choice Competition for all Project SEARCH sites in the UK. You can place your vote for Calico here.
