As part of this year’s Employability Day, we’re raising awareness of the fact that for young people with a learning disability who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), the barriers to employment can seem unbeatable. These young individuals often face additional challenges, such as discrimination, lack of tailored support, limited access to the resources that could help them thrive in the workplace and most crucially the belief in themselves that they can achieve.
For anyone that has spent some time unemployed, the uncertainty and stress of searching for work can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety and loss of self-worth. This is especially true for young people with a learning disability, who often didn’t fit into the mainstream agenda within schools of progressing to A-levels and then to university. As a result, they may struggle to see alternative pathways into employment that are available to them.
Whilst it’s important to acknowledge challenges young people with a learning disability face, as you know here at Unity Works, we are all about creating opportunities and showcasing talents – and that’s exactly what Employability Day is about too. Let’s celebrate the initiatives that are making a real difference. Since its inception, Unity Works has combined health and wellbeing services with employment support and learning and skills development, recognising that a holistic approach is key to empowering job seekers.
Earlier this year we were awarded funding through the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund , which validated our integrated approach. This new programme, Unity Futures, offers 1:1 Health and Wellbeing coaching alongside 1:1 employment support. It starts with personalised coaching sessions exploring with individuals who they are, how they feel about both the past, the present and the future, identifying the barriers that society places in their way. Alongside the coaching sessions, individuals have their own employment advisor to explore, guide and tailor a pathway to employment that includes building essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, flexibility. Group sessions focus on developing independence skills such as travel training and money management, providing space for connection, exploration and growth. Offering more than just a list of opportunities; it provides someone to go on that journey alongside individuals, empowering each young person across multiple areas of support.
By focusing on holistic employment support tailored to the unique needs of young people with a learning disability, Unity Works is ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to contribute their talents and skills to society. From specialized training programs to supportive work environments, these efforts are crucial in bridging the gap and empowering these young individuals to realize their full potential.
We look forward to sharing successes of this programme over the coming months.
