Empowering Neurodiverse Talents with DFN Project SEARCH
Practice Plus Group partners with DFN Project SEARCH to support neurodiverse interns in gaining meaningful employment.
At Practice Plus Group, we believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As part of our commitment to supporting neurodiverse individuals, we proudly collaborate with DFN Project SEARCH, a national charity that helps young adults with learning disabilities and on the autism’s spectrum secure meaningful employment.
Our internship programme provides structured in-work job coaching to help young adults transition successfully from education into the workforce. Working alongside Project SEARCH and the Southampton City Council Young Adults Employment Hub, we have welcomed five interns from South Hampshire College Group to our hospital in Southampton.
A success from the get-go!
The programme has already made a significant impact on both our interns and members of staff.
Lorna, our Job Coach Lead from South Hampshire College Group says, ‘The internship has been a wonderful experience so far. An outstanding opportunity for students to gain the experience into a paid role, within a hospital setting in various departments. The induction was the best ever. The staff have made us all feel so welcome. I actually feel like I want to work for Practice Plus Group.’
Our interns are equally enthusiastic. Charlie reflects on how this opportunity has changed his perspective on hospital work: “This opportunity has shown me I can get a job. This is a job like I have never done before.”
And Andrew simply appreciates the opportunity to gain some confidence in the workplace, while Iwan is already working more independently within his supportive team. “I love it,” he says simply.
Personal and professional growth
Interns have been gaining hands-on experience in various departments, including Oral Surgery Data Management, Portering, Stores, Medical Records, and TSSU.
Our staff members have embraced the opportunity, acting as mentors and ensuring the interns feel supported and valued.
Sherry McBain, Head of Nursing and Clinical Services at Practice Plus Group, emphasises how the internship programme benefits everyone involved. “We are seven weeks into a 24-week programme, and the benefits have been mutual and significant. As an organisation, we have broken down tasks, improved support mechanisms, and worked collaboratively to ensure our interns are well-integrated.”
She adds, “From a personal perspective, seeing the growth in confidence and capability has been inspiring and heart-warming. From a business perspective, our staffs have been developing their own knowledge and skills by thinking differently, which ultimately benefits our patients, employees, and interns alike. I feel like a proud parent watching the exponential rise in the confidence of our amazing interns.”
Sheree-Leigh Woodall, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, also highlights the impact of this initiative: “As an organisation, we recognised how incredibly important this project was for each of the young adults to embark on a positive journey with us. We wanted to enable the interns to recognise that despite their complexities, they have real career prospects. Seeing the project come to life is just one of the many reasons I am proud to work for Practice Plus Group – true to our core values, we really do embrace diversity.”
Looking Ahead
We are hopeful that this project will further our interns’ career, and as we celebrate Neurodiversity Week, we are reminded that inclusivity is more than just a word; it is a commitment to creating opportunities for all.
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