Workplace: Plymouth Hospitals Take on Disabled Interns

A dozen young people with learning difficulties in Devon will be able to complete a year’s internship with Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, as part of a new national scheme.

The national initiative, called Project SEARCH, aims to give people with learning difficulties, and conditions such as autism, practical workplace experience, with the aim of improving their overall career prospects.

Organisations selected include local councils, social work departments and hospitals.

Equality and Diversity Lead at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Jayne Middleman, said:  “We are very pleased to be part of this new initiative. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people with learning disabilities to get a real taste of what it’s like to work at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, in addition to building up their skills.”

Starting this September, the interns will be placed within a variety of departments at the Trust, working alongside other staff with the support of a job coach provided by local organisation Pluss. The interns will then return to the classroom to assess how their day has gone, and receive training in communication, problem-solving and job-specific skills from staff at City College Plymouth.

Pluss’ Managing Director Martin Davies added: “The internships not only provide people with essential work and social skills to help them find real jobs but could also drive a cultural change.

“Working with a larger employer such as Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, staff and patients will see people with learning disabilities performing well in a variety of roles – this will increase the likelihood of workplaces to employ disabled people and allow them to tap in to the skills and talents that so many people with disabilities have to offer.”

MORE: www.officefordisability.gov.uk/working/project-search.php; www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk