Into Work, based in Edinburgh and the Lothians, has been awarded £45,000 over 3 years from BBC Children in Need. This grant will fund Getting Ready for Work Training and East Lothian Inclusion Works, for Young Disabled People, aged 15 – 18-year-old. It will help make a difference to the lives of young people facing challenges right here in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian.
Through Into Work’s Getting Ready for Work training, young disabled people will build the confidence, skills and resilience needed to move towards positive destinations. Many of the young people we support experience anxiety, social isolation, low self-esteem and uncertainty about their future, whether they are preparing to leave school or have already been out of education for some time.
BBC Children in Need funding will help Into Work support 480 young disabled people over three years. The funding will contribute to specialist staff who provide one-to-one guidance, group activities, confidence-building sessions, employability training and transition support for young people preparing to leave school.
The grant will also support specialist income maximisation advice for young disabled people and their families, helping them access disability benefits and other financial support they are entitled to. Where needed, we can also provide a wider household income assessment to identify additional sources of support. By improving financial stability and reducing money-related stress, this support helps young disabled people and their families focus on wellbeing, participation and planning for the future.
Heather Fleming, Young People Lead at Into Work said:
“We are delighted to receive funding from BBC Children in Need. This grant will make a huge difference to young people across Edinburgh, Midlothian, and East Lothian. An increasing number of young people are needing intensive support, and this funding will have a lasting impact on their lives. We will support young people who need patient, relationship based, strengths‑focused support that improves wellbeing, builds confidence and social connection, and helps them see a positive, achievable future”
