Moving On - Transition Support Service

A pilot scheme supporting young people aged 16-25 with autistic spectrum conditions and additional support needs into employment

Moving On Employment Project Ltd is a social enterprise and registered charity which provides supported employment for adults with any barrier to employment including physical, sensory, learning disabilities and/or mental health problems. Moving On works in partnership with schools and other agencies to identify people, including those still at school, who are at high risk of “falling through the net” and then offers one-to-one support for service users alongside support for employers. Their innovative approach means that over 350 local employers throughout Shetland are now willing to offer supportive work opportunities.

A pilot scheme supporting young people aged 16-25 with autistic spectrum conditions and additional support needs into employment was trialled for 6 months in 2010 and demonstrated a clear demand for this new service. £57,431 of LEADER funding was awarded with match-funding from Shetland Islands Council to employ a dedicated support worker from April 2011 to December 2013. The success of this project has led to a grant from the Big Lottery which will allow it to continue for the next 5 years.

Moving On helps to increase social and economic inclusion in remote and rural areas of Shetland by delivering the service throughout the isles. Securing employment within their own local area helps service users become more confident members of their own community and active contributors to the local economy.

During the period of LEADER funding 45 individuals accessed the service, all but one of them under the age of 25 - 75% of them are now in employment or further education, and others are still working towards a successful outcome.