Marking the ten year anniversary of the Changing Futures Together – Supported Internship programme

2025 marks the 10 year anniversary since the launch of the Changing Futures Together – Supported Internship programme.

The programme is a collaboration between University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust and Coventry City Council which helps young people between the ages of 16-24 transition from education to employment, specifically those with Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND).

UHCW was the first Supported Internship in Coventry, paving the way for more employers in the city to adopt the same model.

Chief People Officer, Donna Griffiths said: "Over the past 10 years - working together with Coventry City Council, local schools and colleges and our partners at Mitie and ISS, it’s been our pleasure and our privilege to welcome 90 interns into our organisation.

"It’s also been great to see those colleagues flourish and grow. Over the last 12 months, 81 per cent of the interns have progressed into employment.

"Behind every single one of those numbers is a person, and it’s brilliant that we are helping people to change their lives by working together."

The young people who take part in the programme are supported to gain confidence, skills and experience in the workplace.

ISS Porter, James Weaver enrolled on the programme in 2017 - he said: ”I was on the Supported Internship programme in 2017 and I’ve been a porter at the Trust since 2018.

“I was unsure about how I was going to get a job before enrolling on the programme and I was really worried about my future.

“The Job Coaches and my team have supported me and given me a chance. The programme has changed my life.”

Specialist Job Coaches from the Council's Job Shop are based at the Trust, work with teams across UHCW, Mitie and ISS to support the interns to develop the workplace skills that they need.

Hannah Rogers, Supported Employment Manager (Coventry City Council) said: "Having a chance to work is something that most of us take for granted, but many people with disabilities don’t have these opportunities.

“Only 5 per cent of people with a learning disability in the UK are in paid employment. We believe that everyone, whatever their barriers or background, should be able to access employment – and that is exactly what this partnership here is all about.

“I think the best thing about supported employment is that anyone can get involved. You just have to care about people and want to make a difference. And when employers like this join together in partnership with a shared vision of improving lives and communities – great things can happen.”

Kirstie Elliott, Apprenticeship and Employability Manager said:

“I am proud to have been part of the Supported Internship Programme for the past eight years.

“This programme is truly life changing for the young people involved and their families, giving them opportunities, confidence, and hope for the future.

“Being part of it has allowed me to follow my passion for ensuring that everyone has the chance to access meaningful employment.”

If you would like to find out more about the programme, please contact Nicki Claybrook: Nicki.Claybrook@coventry.gov.uk