Beyond late intervention

There's nothing better than having a job that you believe in and I’m lucky enough to be in that place at NDTi.

Young disabled people who originally sought out support are now leading plans for societal change. Each day I meet inspirational people from education, health, social work, voluntary and community work, business and families who, despite limited capacity work tirelessly to improve young people’s lives.

The wellbeing of young people in the UK is at a shocking low, ranking last in Europe.[1] For young disabled people and those with health conditions, the situation is even more critical. In an education system driven by academic success and pressure. Many can struggle to engage and are vulnerable to bullying, leading to low confidence, high anxiety, school absenteeism and loneliness. Shockingly the disability employment rate is 53% compared to 81.6% for non-disabled people.[2]

Amidst these challenges, NDTi’s national Internships Work programme has been a beacon of hope. Over three years, it demonstrated the immense potential of young disabled people when given personalised and empowering support. This initiative enabled 4,635 young people to access engaging routes to employment, with 1,562 securing paid employment within the three years of the programme. Young people, businesses, practitioners and families spoke of the life changing impact supported internships had on their lives. They weren't just about employment; they fostered independence, built confidence, and showcased the drive and determination of young people, as well as the dedication of professionals working across England

Connect to Work is a key component to the Get Britain Working initiative.[3] and heralds investment of £115 million for a shift in approach which includes preventing young people from falling out of the workforce before their careers begin.

But this news is drowned by the recent announcement of devastating cuts to disability benefits which could potentially push 250,000 more disabled people into poverty, including 50,000 children [4]. As Dave Finch, the Assistant Director for Healthy Lives states ‘The big risk is that substantial cuts to disability benefits undermine efforts to shift to a more preventative system away from one that acts too late, and has failed people and employers for too long: harming people’s health and creating long-term problems for successive governments.’

At NDTi, I work alongside a group of young disabled adults who are determined to change the systems of oppression they and others face. Having created a safe space for empathy and support for each other, they welcome newcomers who are navigating similar challenges through their peer support sessions.[5]

All aspire to move on with their lives and become more independent. But, panic attacks, severe anxiety, constant pain, exhaustion or physical barriers make it difficult to form plans let alone stick to them. Lack of flexible tailored support available leads most to remain dependent on parents, carers and family members for support. They feel stuck and daily life is full of uncertainty. Despite this they share excitement as a new training course, job interview or employment initiative brings renewed hope.

Sadly, lack of flexible, tailored support often leads to missed opportunities, reinforcing feelings of failure. The tragedy is that these kind, bright and talented young people are left feeling they have failed yet again and its safer if they opt out rather than opting in.

“It’s still hard. Is it worth it? I feel like, well, for most of the jobs I’ve applied to they always seemed to find someone better. Someone who’s got more qualifications. Jobs should be more accessible. For, like, more people who don’t have decent qualifications like, master’s degrees or whatever.”

The success of the Internships Work programme proves what is possible when the right support is made available. At NDTi we will continue to amplify young disabled peoples voices and to empower those working on their behalf for change. We must move beyond a system that acts too late and embrace preventative, empowering solutions which unlock the potential of young people and ensure they are not left behind.

[1] The Good Childhood Report 2024 | The Children's Society

[2] The employment of disabled people 2024 - GOV.UK

[3] Get Britain Working White Paper - GOV.UK

[4] The true scale and impact of benefit cuts for ill and disabled people | New Economics Foundation

[5] Our young peer support group originated from Time to Talk Next Steps, a support programme following the COVID-19 pandemic for young people with additional support needs who were isolated and unsure about their future plans.

What's next?

Our work with young people is continually growing and developing. This currently includes:

• A young people's peer support group
• Co-design and co-delivery of national and regional training for professionals by young trainers.
• Young people leading on applications for funding.
• Training for young evaluators.
• A new young persons social justice platform.