The DFN Project SEARCH programme at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded a Bronze Award for Commitment to Outcomes at the DFN Project SEARCH Conference in Birmingham.

DFN Project SEARCH is a national charity which provides a one-year supported internship programme for young adults with a learning disability or autistic young adults, helping them transition from education to work.

Supported internships are structured work-based study programmes which equip young people with practical skills and on-the-job experience.

The award recognises programmes that demonstrate a strong focus on quality and achieving meaningful outcomes for participants. It highlights the ongoing commitment of the Barnsley Hospital and Barnsley College partnership to supporting young people into sustainable employment.

The award was collected by Helen Mangham, Work Skills Facilitator at Barnsley College, Megan Warren, Work Skills Coordinator at Barnsley College, and Pauline Garnett, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Barnsley Hospital. Together, they lead a collaborative approach that supports and empowers young people throughout the programme.

This achievement reflects the strength of partnership working between education and healthcare, and the positive impact the programme continues to have on participants and the wider community.

Megan Warren said: “We are incredibly proud to see the impact of DFN Project SEARCH in Barnsley recognised at a national level. This award reflects the dedication of our partners and the determination of our interns, who continue to achieve fantastic outcomes and move confidently towards paid employment.”

Pauline Garnett added: “It was a lovely surprise to be able to share in this award. Project Search is a partnership between the NHS, Barnsley College and Barnsley Council. Working together, we strive to improve outcomes for our young people.”

For more information about the Project Search programme and its benefits, visit: www.barnsley.ac.uk/projectsearch, email: LFLWadmin@barnsley.ac.uk or call: 01226 216 357.