Specialist support for young people with autism/AS in Birmingham, UK
Advance is a 3 Step Youth Opportunity Programme to jobs and new horizons for young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEETS).
The programme is managed by The BEST Network and has the support and backing of the Department for Work and Pensions. Aspire, part of Autism West Midlands, is delivering the programme to young people in Birmingham who have autism or Asperger syndrome and are aged 14-24.
The programme will provide opportunities to:
- Develop yourself
- Connect to opportunities
- Secure the job you want
How the programme works
You will be assigned a mentor and the work with this mentor could continue for up to three years. The support will be tailored to your individual needs and decided after initial meetings with you, where an action plan of support and an agreement will be created.
The programme of support offered is likely to be delivered initially on a 1:1 basis with the anticipation that in the longer term there will be group activities and workshops for you to attend.
The support is not designed to be additional teaching support - it will focus more on personal development support outside of the curriculum. However, some support for managing and organising work could be included if necessary.
Topics that could be covered
- Listed below are some topics that could be covered with you – this list is not exhaustive:
- Managing and coping with anxiety or anger
- Identifying future opportunities and planning for the future
- Viewing situations differently and learning how to take perspective
- Understanding personal relationships
- Understanding more about their autism
- Helping to develop a successful and productive routine
- Developing communication skills
- Building confidence and working as part of a team
- Drug and alcohol awareness
- Sexual health
- Travel support
- Providing support and focus during school holidays
More information
For more details including full information about the support offered and eligibility criteria please download the leaflet here
If you would like to know more about the programme, or are interested in taking part or making a referral please contact Lynn Marshall at Aspire on 0121 450 7582 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
