Discovery supports people with autism and learning difficulties across the county. But funding has been reduced, having an impact on the support available. Ruby, member of the Somerset Youth Parliament advisory group, has written a great article about the impact Discovery, its positive change and the impact of funding cuts.
I’m going to write about something I’m aware of through my mums work as I think it’s really important that people should be aware of. As a Somerset Youth Parliament representative, I know that some of our young people are vulnerable and need extra help and support- but they may not have a voice.
Every year, Discovery in Somerset works with colleges to help young people with autism and learning disabilities to join the work force. With support, young people learn key lessons, and experience support suitable for them. They’re offered the opportunity to receive income from employers and get experience in the world of work.
With the hard work of committed job coaches, they’re given chances to get a job and earn a self-made income to support themselves -and be able to take the skills learnt in the program, to apply them to the rest of their lives!
This is a very special opportunity which helps young people facing life challenges to become more skilled, confident and independent.
Sadly, funding for this project has been reduced to a point that it means young people can’t access the support needed to experience employment for a period of time long enough, to achieve the amazing results previously seen in the program
Nationally, the amount of people with a learning disability in employment is falling along with the government’s commitment to support more disabled people into work.
Discovery in Somerset has helped 100’s of people over the last five years by supporting them into paid employment. The amount of support for people with learning difficulties will be cut from 39 to 26 weeks. This will massively affect young people’s confidence and learning during their internships and could threaten their ability to secure employment.
More Information
- Support Worker Jobs, Business Support. Discovery Careers, Learning Disabilities Support. Somerset UK
- Campaigns – Discovery
Ruby
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
