The Project SEARCH graduates
SEARCH for the right job Part of Newham Council’s New Deal commitment to residents is helping people to raise their aspirations, increase their skills and boost their employment chances. Twelve young residents with disabilities have just graduated from a supported work placement programme based at Newham University Hospital. Project SEARCH, a partnership between the council, Newham College and Barts Health NHS Trust, has supported the young people with learning disabilities, including autism, on internships on wards and departments throughout the hospital in Plaistow. The young people aged 18 and over have learnt new skills and developed their confidence. A tutor from the Supported Employment team at the council’s employment service Workplace coached the graduates while they were working. They also received support with other skills including how to dress for work, behaviours in the work environment and planning routes to work. Five have already
been offered jobs at the hospital and six are waiting for interviews. Councillor Clive Furness, mayoral adviser for adults and health, presented them with their certificates. He said: “This programme helps residents to raise their aspirations and increase their resilience. Many of them have secured great jobs in the hospital.” Lauren Hilaire, a graduate from the programme, said: “We must all thank our job coach and our tutor for their brilliant support and believing in us. This has helped to transform our lives and we are very grateful.” Fellow graduate, Johanna Marsh, said: “This experience has helped build my
confidence. I enjoyed working as a ward clerk because they made me part of the team and helped build my interpersonal and communication skills. This has prepared me to take up a new job.”
Project SEARCH will be running again from September. For more details email AnnaRenee.Paisley@newham.gov.uk or call 020 3373 1101. For other information visit www.newham. gov.uk/employment or www. newham.gov.uk/Workplace
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