Friday, 8th December '06
The Embrace Project, a program designed to improve the lives of young people with hidden disabilities such as autism, ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome has been recognised at the inaugural Children and Young People’s Services Awards. The programme, led by Prospects Services & delivered in association with Keeping It Simple Training, was given an award for Services for Youth Work.
Embrace is a two-year programme which was set up by Prospects in partnership with Mencap & KIS. Funded by the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council, the programme supports 50 young people aged between 15 and 18 who are improving their social and life skills enabling them to re-engage with education, training and employment.
“We’re thrilled that all the hard work that has gone into Embrace has been rewarded.” said Project Manager Lesley Keegan: “This is a fantastic accolade for everyone involved with this innovative project.” Sharon Glover Project Co-ordinator stated “we are all thrilled that all the team’s hard work has been rewarded and the young people involved have all achieved successful outcomes.”
Tara Rivero-Zea, Mencap’s Area Manager for North London, echoed that sentiment saying, “Through the professionalism and commitment of Mencap, KIS & Prospects’ staff and the generous backing of the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council we have been able to affect a genuine and positive impact on the lives of this group of young people.”
Tara singled out the work of two personal advisors both Catherine Woodwood and Anna Collishaw for special praise; “the dedication of these two advisors played a key role both in the success of this project and in winning this award.” she said.
Keeping It Simple Training delivered key parts of the programme from its dedicated training facility in Tottenham Hale. Sean Headley, Chief Executive at Keeping It Simple training praised the programme, saying “I am delighted that this highly effective programme has been recognised with this award. It shows that agencies can work effectively together to significantly improve the quality of life of young people with disabilities.”
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