The Sand Project

A unique training organisation working with young people with life and learning challenges. Our mission statement is: Work training opportunities that transition into real life businesses and employment, based on our trainees individual interests, talents and inspirations. Why do we do it? In West Sussex, only 3.2% of known people with learning difficulties are in paid employment. This means 96.8% are unemployed and living on benefits – often never leaving home, living as dependants – and increasingly likely to remain so. In addition, this long term unemployment will statistically contribute to reduced physical, mental and emotional wellbeing which will impact on healthcare and NHS resources. Some of the reasons that have become apparent to Kate in her years in SEND education are: • Inadequate work experience placements whilst at school or college due to low expectations of employers • Insufficient emphasis placed on the importance of teaching work related skills, as defined by our partner group, Skillsbuilder • Detrimental college experiences • The mainstream workplace is not always accessible for highly skilled people with autism • Learned passivity - no one has taught them the entrepreneurial skills needed to create opportunity for themselves