Dundee & Angus College’s DFN Project SEARCH Team Shortlisted for SURF 2024 Awards

The project, which is part of a unique partnership with NHS Tayside, has been recognised for its work in creating opportunities for young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.

The DFN Project SEARCH programme focuses on more than just employment, it empowers young people to build confidence and develop essential life skills to achieve independence. Each intern is provided with a learning journey and placements that are tailored to their abilities and interests, alongside ongoing support from job coaches and NHS mentors.  As part of the programme, the interns are provided with experiences that will allow them to grow in both their professional and personal lives. The programme has had a huge impact on the interns with 100% of participants moving into positive destinations and 75% of interns securing long-term sustainable employment.

The unique collaboration between Dundee & Angus College and NHS Tayside is not only providing interns with meaningful experiences it is addressing a critical workforce shortage in the NHS.  By focusing on ability rather than disability through the promotion of diversity and inclusion the programme is helping to reshape perceptions and create long-term employment opportunities. The partnership has also played a key role in NHS Tayside’s being recognised as a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader.

Leanne Macdonald, DFN Project SEARCH Lead, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for the SURF 2024 Awards. This recognition really highlights the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the programme, especially our amazing interns. Watching them grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and secure employment is truly heart warming. It is a privilege to lead such an impactful project and we are excited to keep building on this success to support even more young people to realise their potential”

Being shortlisted for the SURF 2024 Awards highlights the dedication of the DFN Project SEARCH team and the positive change it has brought to the lives of its participants.

The winners of the SURF 2024 Awards will be announced later this year and we are honoured to be recognised among such outstanding projects.