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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

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Creative specialists sought to support neuro-diverse youngsters

This news post is over 5 years old
 

Donaldson's Trusts is looking for creative staff and trustees to help grow a programme for youngsters with conditions such as autism

A programme of support for young people with autism and other neurological conditions is seeking creative specialists to help youngsters as they leave school.

Designed and delivered by the Donaldson Trust, which runs Donaldson’s School in Linlithgow, #Junx10n provides services to young people who would describe themselves as neuro diverse. This includes youngsters with Asperger’s, autism, dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and social anxiety disorders.

It aims to help them through the transition from school to adult life, improve their wellbeing and increase their chances of going onto further education or employment.

The programme has been running for a year and has been so successful, the trust is now looking to expand and is recruiting new staff and trustees.

In particular, it is looking to recruit creative specialists in the field of the sciences, music, technology, sports and the arts to help meet existing demand and grow the service.

Laura Battles, chief executive of the Donaldson Trust, said: “We know that many neuro-diverse young people experience significant difficulty in securing sustained further of higher education placements and/or long-term employment, which truly utilises their talents and skills.

“If nurtured and supported appropriately positive attributes associated with neuro-diversity include creativity, lateral thinking, bringing a different perspective, development of highly specialised skills, and consistency in tasks once mastered.

“The #Junx10n approach provides a can-do culture and environment which engages young people and enables them to access the space required to be the best they can be.”

Launched as a pilot in October 2016, #Junx10n has already supported many young people to develop skills and talents as well as reduce anxieties enabling engagement and improvements in self-esteem and personal growth.

In addition to the highly skilled core team, creative specialists help develop skills identified in the trainees from computer coding and gaming, music, creative arts , horticulture, photography, film making, and mindfulness.

The pilot has provided placements for neuro-diverse young people in West Lothian and Edinburgh Council.

However, the trust is in discussions with a number of other partner services and employers who are seeking to work with #Junx10n. Find out more on the #Junx10n website.