Internships for adults with learning disabilities

Young people with learning disabilities say internships to help them move into employment are building their confidence and making them "a lot happier".

Bridgwater Community Hospital in Somerset offers work placements in different departments to people who identify as neurodiverse, to help them gain the skills they need to secure paid work.

Harrison Small, 20, who has autism, said securing a job at the hospital would be "life-changing".

"[Harrison's] confidence has changed tenfold," said facilities team leader James Porter. "Six months ago he would struggle to go to some departments whereas now he's managing shifts on his own."

Harrison's tasks include delivering clean scrubs and linen to various parts of the hospital, cleaning and taking out bins.

He said the job is a "perfect match" for him.

"It's a lot more practical and I can actually do things by myself," he added.

The internship scheme is run by the hospital in partnership with the Somerset-based social enterprise Discovery, which mentors and supports young adults with learning disabilities, as well as University Centre Somerset and nearby nursing home Casa de Lusso.

Interns are matched to a role suited to them by a job coach.

"We get to know the business, we get to know what they require for their role," said supported internship trainer Mitchell Chase.

"We can job match and get that right intern into the right role so it works and flourishes nicely."

Harrison hopes the internship will lead to permanent employment.

"It would be life-changing, being able to leave college and help out with the bills," he said.

Casey Joannou, 21, has Fragile X Syndrome, a common genetic disorder causing developmental delays and behavioural challenges.

She said looking for full-time work is "tough every single day".

"You have to look on Indeed and they don't get back to you," she said.

She is doing a one-year internship at Casa de Lusso nursing home, which she hopes will open the doors to paid work.

"[Work would mean] everything," she added.

"I can help my dad, my mum and my grandparents out."

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