Students Jonathon and Lizzie took a trip to London to help raise awareness of the challenges that young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) face when they leave education.
Student Council President Jonathon and Deputy President Lizzie, visited the Houses of Parliament to support the launch of a project called ‘What Comes After Education for Young People with SEND.’
The project, launched by National Star College and Together Trust charity, highlights the challenges which young people with disabilities can face as they reach adulthood.
Jonathon and Lizzie were invited by Max Wilkinson MP, Member of Parliament for Cheltenham, to hear more about the project first hand. The two charities have worked together for two years to launch the report which aims to share understanding of the barriers and opportunities for young people with disabilities when they leave education.
Jonathon and Lizzie were joined by staff members Tab Crinson and Teri Ann Burgoyne. They heard from a number of speakers including young people and parents and carers about their journey, their challenges and their successes. The project included a list of recommendations for how colleges can work collaboratively, including with local and central government, charities and other organisations, to enable young people with disabilities to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Jonathon said after the event: “It was very interesting listening to other people talking about their problems after college with local authorities and how some parents have had to give up their jobs to support their children, it was really moving.”
