DFN Project SEARCH

DFN Project SEARCH is a national charity serving young adults who have a learning disability or are autistic, or both, to make a positive transition from education into permanent full-time employment. DFN Project SEARCH offers an evidence-based supported internship programme that takes place entirely in the workplace and provides continuous support to young adults between 16 – 24. The goal for each young adult is a transition to meaningful paid employment. The DFN Project SEARCH model provides young adults with structured in-work job coaching and lifelong support in employability and life skills. We are: • Nationwide but locally focused: operating with over two hundred organisations across the UK, with each programme team made up of local education, local authority and supported employment partners who understand the needs of the local community. • Driven by people, backed by data: to date, we have supported over two thousand young people into our programmes, with on average 63% of graduates going on to permanent, paid jobs. • Ambitious and aspirational: we know young people are talented and driven – we want to remove the barriers stopping them from embarking on fulfilling careers. • Partnership builders: we offer training and resources to build bridges between host employers, local authorities, educators and supported employment providers to help them meet the needs of the young people we support. • Integrated and inclusive: we are focused on creating opportunities and settings where those with and without disabilities work together.