DFN Project Search provide a one-year transition to work programme for young adults with a learning disability or autism spectrum conditions, or both. Everyone deserves the right to aspire to the very best future, yet only 4.8% of people in England with a learning disability go on to secure paid employment, compared to 80% of their peers.
In 2021, Leo Lion Foundation partnered with DFN Project Search to support six new DFN Project SEARCH supported internship programs across the South-East and Yorkshire. Over three years, these projects have transformed the lives of 123 young adults with learning disabilities and autism, providing them with the vital skills and experience needed to secure sustainable employment.
Transforming Lives Through Opportunity
DFN Project Search’s supported internships are more than just a work experience placement. The focus is on developing the individual, equipping individuals with new skills and supporting them in every aspect of the working environment from perfecting their CV to learning to manage travel independently. The programme involves several job rotations where they can experience different departments and feel confident working independently and within different teams. The placements consider individual skills and aspirations, which are reviewed throughout the internship to ensure the young person completed their placement more confident and ready to enter the world of paid employment.
The impact of this initiative has been huge, with 34 young adults securing meaningful employment so far. As data from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts continues to be collected, this number is expected to rise, ensuring the ongoing legacy of the grant in creating pathways to employment for individuals facing significant barriers.
Success Across Sites
Over the three years, six sites were selected and prepared for the supported internship programmes.
King’s College Hospital London (Opened 2021) – 28 interns supported, with 6 already securing employment and high hopes for this year’s graduates.
Harrogate District Hospital (Opened 2022) – This site has empowered 16 young adults to better their employment skills with 100% employment outcomes for its first cohort.
Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Common (Opened 2022) – 28 interns, 7 of whom have achieved sustainable employment. One intern was awarded the South London Principal’s Award – given to students showing great achievements in the face of adversity.
Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Opened 2022) – 27 interns supported, with 9 securing jobs and potential for many interns from the current cohort to secure roles they’re passionate about.
Humberside Police (Opened 2023) – 14 interns supported in just two cohorts, with strong engagement from law enforcement.
The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Opened 2023) – 10 interns supported, 2 of whom have found employment. With 25 different job rotations open to interns, future cohorts will have no problem exploring news skills and career options.
Leo Lion Foundation are delighted to have partnered with DFN Project SEARCH in their pursuit to empower young adults with learning disabilities and autism, helping to shape brighter futures, one internship at a time.
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