Charity Thistle has gained funding which will give 200 young people tailored support for the transition from school into work
A project which helps disabled people in the transition from leaving school to adult life has received a funding boost.
More than 200 youngsters in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian making the transition from school to adult life will benefit from a new award made by the Scottish Government to Edinburgh-based health and wellbeing charity Thistle.
The grant of £247,259 will be paid over a period of two and a half years, with the project aiming to inspire young people and help them to prosper.
Catherine Dempsey, Thistle’s development lead for young people’s work, said the charity is delighted to receive the funding.
She said: “Choices made at this point determine the shape of the lives disabled adults go on to live. And these decisions have important implications for young people’s parents and carers too. This award means that in addition to the young people, we’ll be working with around 150 family members and supporters.
“Our work gives young people and their families space to think creatively and courageously, and to dream big, at a point when many may be feeling anxious about their future beyond school. We encourage people to focus on and take control of the life they want to live as adults and citizens.”
Over the past seven years Thistle has piloted and developed ways to support young people and those closest to them – with planning tools, drama and training – to take control and start navigating their way through adult life with confidence, and to achieve what matters to them.
Kieran is just one of those who has participated in Thistle’s programme, which includes a group planning process for life after school called the Big Plan, two years ago.
He said: “A couple of years ago I was lost. My mum wasn’t sure what would happen to me in the world, she was scared people would take advantage of me because I am autistic.
“I think I was a bit depressed that I couldn’t go to the shops by myself. I felt like a prisoner in my own house.
“I went to Thistle meet-ups with other people I’d met, and then helped to arrange them. I became more involved and I did a traineeship with Thistle at a print studio and café at Out of the Blue drill hall. It made me confident. Doing the print studio got me interested in art. Art is where I put my passions.”
Kieran is now working with Thistle as a mentor for the Big Plan and said he can’t wait to move into full-time employment.
He said: “I’m feeling excited about leaving school – I’m on top of the world. I’ll be free, not isolated from the world. Now I think my autism doesn’t define me – you define yourself.”
