AUTISTIC young people are being given the chance to boost their job prospects thanks to funding through the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities initiative.
The National Autistic Society Scotland’s Moving Forward programme is working with people on the autistic spectrum to help them develop skills for the workplace, gain social confidence and find employment.
The society aims to close the autism employment gap after research found just 16 per cent of autistic adults in the UK are in full-time paid work, with only 32 per cent in any kind of paid work – compared with 47 per cent of disabled people and 80 per cent of the general population.
The charity works with a range of partners in the public and private sectors to promote Moving Forward.
Jim Doherty, of the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “The Moving Forward programme with CashBack for Communities is open to young people, aged between 16 to 24, from Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.
“The Scottish Mentoring Network awarded Moving Forward the Inclusion Project of the Year award, with our volunteer mentor Becky Preston being recognised as a highly-commended mentor.
“Over the next three years, the aim is to support young people from East Renfrewshire’s most deprived communities with a cut of the £583,000 received from CashBack for Communities.”
The cash was raised from money seized from criminals under Proceeds of Crime legislation.
If you know someone who could benefit from the programme or you are a business interested in learning more, phone 0141 248 1725 or email moving.forward@nas.org.uk.
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