New event helps young people with SEND prepare for adulthood

A new event to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) prepare for adult life is taking place tomorrow at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

The free event will allow young people, parents and carers to explore a wide range of options and potential next steps for young adults with SEND as they get ready for adulthood.

With over 60 organisations set to attend the event, attendees will be able to access information about jobs, apprenticeships, training and skills opportunities including FE courses, volunteering, leisure activities, finances and benefits.

Attendees will also be able to visit an activities area and take part in games.

Anyone who may benefit is invited to attend the event for free, with tickets available from the arena website.

Speaking ahead of the event, Cllr Jonathon Pryor, Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education at Leeds City Council, said: ‘It’s an exciting for the city that the council is launching this new event to support young people with SEND to explore their next steps. It is really important that Leeds develops an inclusive economy, and this event will help improve access to opportunities for a wide range of young people.

‘I would really encourage anyone who may be interested in finding out more about the opportunities available across Leeds to book their free ticket for the inaugural SEND Next Choices event.’

In related news, a new partnership is seeking to help young people with learning disabilities have equal access to higher education opportunities.

While 45% of Scotland’s school leavers go to university, only 8.6% of school leavers who have a learning disability go on to higher education.

ENABLE Scotland is working with young people who have a learning disability to ensure they have the support required to access university life, can undertake work experience opportunities, and graduate with a university qualification, in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and global professional services firm EY.

Photo by Gary Butterfield