The Shirlie Project
A clear view of Supported Employment in the Highlands
Autism Network Scotland June 2013
1994 started delivering SQA training – First client was Shirlie
1997 focus shifted to Supported Employment
Employ 31 members of staff in 4 offices
Deliver co-ordinated inclusive employment programmes across biggest region in UK
Job Coaches working towards a Level 8 in qualification in Supported Employment
Design and deliver contracts
Offer SQA qualifications
The Shirlie Project – Current ContractsContract Aimed at . . . . No.
Job Coaching/Try it Out
People with disabilities and support issues who are furthest removed from the labour market 150
Employability Fund/Workforce Highland
Young people age 16 – 24 with varying employability skills 35
Bigger Picture Young people with ASD in transition from secondary school 64
Work Programme Long term unemployed people in Skye & Lochalsh and Lochaber 110
Activity Agreements Young people who have left school with no positive destination and are in need of extra
support to prepare them for work 40
399
People we represent cover a broad range of issues such as:
• Autistic spectrum disorder• Learning difficulties • Acquired brain injury• Mental ill health • Physical and sensory impairments • Young people with emotional and behavioural issues • Young people facing social isolation on leaving school • Long term unemployed
The Shirlie Project – A typical client journey
Initial Interview and 1st Action Plan
Within 4 weeks
CV completed
I PlanFinancial Health Check
Work Placement
Within 6
weeks
Leading to
EmploymentModern
ApprenticeshipTraining
ProgrammesFurther
Education
Within 10
weeks
The Shirlie Project
Personal Development ActivitiesBenefits advice and guidanceCore SkillsEmployability skillsVolunteering and work placementShort CoursesHealth and WellbeingFurther education Additional trainingFinancial adviceOptional SQA QualificationsEnterprise and Entrepreneurship
I Plan
The Shirlie Project
I Plan
ProfilingThe Shirlie Project
The Shirlie Project
Care ServicesEqual rightsEmployment rightsEqual Opportunities
Politics
What we don’t do
The Shirlie Project
Talented people looking to change their circumstancesEmployers looking to run a successful businessFunding partners looking to deliver successful
programmes
Who we represent
The Shirlie Project
The Shirlie Project
An individual person centred plan for a young person with ASD who is due to leave school.
A plan which realises ambition and puts in place the actions needed and the support network to make this ambition a reality.
The creation of an extended support network around this young person.
Bigger Picture
The Shirlie Project
Bigger Picture in the Highlands
3 years funding from the Scottish Government Autism Development Fund to roll out the Bigger Picture programme to 32 Highland Schools
By the end of the 3 years we estimate we will work with over 190 young people with ASD.
We have just completed year 1
The Shirlie Project
Bigger Picture – Year 1
We worked with the following schools in year 1
School Number of pupils
Mallaig High School 1Lochaber High School 1
Invergordon Academy 4
Fortrose Academy 2Dingwall Academy 4
Charlestown Academy 2Culloden Academy 3Inverness High School 1Inverness Royal Academy 4
Total 22
Bigger Picture – Year 1
Feedback from young people
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6
8
2 2
3
8
4
3
1
5
4
2
8 8
7
2
10
6
7
9
5
yesno
Bigger Picture – Year 1
Feedback from young people
“I felt that the Bigger Picture has made me feel more significant, that I was in control and it did really focus about me, rather than just my progress and opportunities for education/employment.I have felt that I am really getting somewhere on my plan for the future and highly recommend it for everyone who is serious on what to do or is having difficulties on what they would like to do”.
Feedback from a Fortrose Academy pupil
Bigger Picture – Year 1
Feedback from parents
Do you think the Bigger Picture engaged you and your family?
On the day of the I Plan do you feel your child was listened to?
Was the venue and the facilities suitable for you and your families needs?
Do you think the process we used called 'graphic facilitation' worked effectively for your child?
Has your child actively began to achieve the first steps and action points that were highlighted in their I plans?
Do you feel that you childs 'core suport team' is working effectively?
Has your child become more involved in the community?
Has the Bigger Picture been helpful to your child and to yourselves in identifying a clearer direction in life after school?
11
11
11
11
9
11
3
11
2
8
No
Yes
Bigger Picture – Year 1
Feedback from parents
‘Arrived today with Ryan and his sister, not expecting much and thinking at least we’d better show up as these people have made the effort.Ryan was obstinate about coming here and said he would only stay an hour and that I had to talk for him.I have been amazed at how well he responded today, and it has actually given me hope for the first time that he might have an independent future, without me having to do everything involving him’.
Feedback from a parent
The Shirlie Project
Aimed at building a culture of recognising and supporting ambition
Will provide a transitions service for 192 young people who have ASD over the next 3 years
Covers 32 secondary schools including 3 special schools.
Bigger Picture in practice
The Shirlie Project
The Shirlie Project
Questions
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