Dundee & Angus College Students Celebrate Life-Changing Graduation from DFN Project SEARCH

DFN Project SEARCH is a transition to employment programme for young adults with learning disabilities or autism spectrum conditions, delivered in partnership with NHS Tayside and Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership. 

The graduation ceremony took place at Ninewells Hospital with certificates presented by Simon Hewitt (Dundee and Angus College Principal) and David Dall (NHS Tayside Deputy Director of Workforce) whilst family and friends of the students were present proudly celebrating. 

Neslihan Osmanali, Dundee Health & Social Care Partnership Employment Support Worker, who supports the students day-to-day alongside Dundee and Angus College Lecturer Leanne, said “Leanne and I have the privilege of seeing the interns every day. Watching them connect the dots to allow themselves to grow into what we saw all along. We facilitate an environment where they can flourish, make mistakes, but get back up to try again because no is not an option.” 

Student, Lucy Bain, who hugely benefited from the project this year also gave a speech, highlighting the transformative impact the course had on her “If I met myself even a year ago, I would not have had imagined doing even doing 5% of what I have achieved being in this course I have met friends for life, working at a switchboard and successfully getting a job there, it’s been a crazy journey.”  

Many of this year’s interns have secured employment proving the success of the project in helping young people find meaningful employment. 

Congratulations again to this year’s graduates: Abbie Flynn, Christopher Garland, Lewis Wilson, Lucy Bain, Nathan Harwood, Sammy Keddie and Tanith Dailly.