Preparing for Adulthood

This page has information and advice about 5 Key Areas, which Young People with SEND have said are important in Preparing for Adulthood

The Department for Education (DfE) fund the Preparing for Adulthood Programme. Their mission is that Young People with SEN and Disabilities have equal life chances as they transition into adulthood. For example, paid employment, housing and independent living.

The Preparing for Adulthood Team’s role is to support young people and their families, to build sustainable long-term solutions to their support and care needs, focusing on enablement and independence. Our work is person centred and is led by the young person and their families in developing their support plan, enabling them to achieve their aspirations and be part of their community.

Employment

Employment is at the heart of Post 16 Education and Training. Alongside vocational courses, Newham providers offer a range of exciting employer based supported internship programmes which are designed to lead to paid employment. Apprenticeships are also available in a number of vocational areas.

If you would like our help to look for jobs or more information about employment for people with health and social care needs, please contact us at

Telephone: 020 3373 4948
Email: Joseph.Kunyeda@newham.gov.uk

or visit Newham Families Advice and Support | Finding a Job - Support for Young People with SEN

Independent Living

Developing independence is an aim for everyone with SEND. Whether this includes learning to master and self-manage some everyday tasks such as practical living skills,  learning to be an independent  traveller, shopping, learning to be safe  or preparing to progress to sheltered, supported or independent living, Newham’s educational and social care providers offer a range of training opportunities, which include fully equipped training flats and kitchens.

Friends, Relationships and Community

Whilst young people have opportunities to spend time with their peers both inside and outside of College or other place of study. Newham educational providers together with Newham Social Services can help to support young people to develop and maintain friendships and to be able to feel safe and confident to access their community to enjoy leisure facilities and activities.

Health

Support is available to young people to manage their own health as they move into adulthood in Partnership with Health and Social Care.  

In 2023/24 GPs will also offer Annual Health Checks – Learning Disabilities to autistic patients. There are also Specialist Health Visitors who support people with a Learning Disability or Autism to get the support that they need.

  • My Health Passport - An Autism Passport that you can complete on your own (or with support), for more information you can visit, Newham Families Advice and Support | My Health Passport
  • Newham’s offers a 24 Hour Mental Health Crisis Helpline which can be reached on 0800 073 0066. Mental Health Crisis Café Support is offered face to face, via video call or telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the crisis line 0800 073 0066 or 020 7771 5888.
  • Autism Inpatient Mental Health Casework Service - This Service offers advice and support to autistic people and the families of autistic people in England who have been detained in a mental health hospital or assessment and treatment unit (ATU), or are at imminent risk of detention or re-detention.
  • PEACE Pathway - Home provides tailored support to those who have Eating Disorders (and Autism). 
  • Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge - Offers Bereavement Support for those who have Autism. They can be contacted on 020 7510 1081 or 020 7510 4268. You can also email them at nbs@mithn.orgn.uk
  • Bags of Taste – offers short term support to learn more about better diets, which are cost effective. In a two week course, learn to save money on food bills and develop cookery skills

Related Information

Services

Related Features

Last updated: 24/01/2024

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