29th September 2026 • My Family Our Needs
Surrey Choices is delivering a Supported Internship programme to support young people with additional needs who are not in education, employment and training (NEET).
Whilst thousands of young people have gone back to university, college or started apprenticeships this month, for many others this path is much harder to navigate.
This is particularly true for those who are neurodivergent or who have struggled in traditional educational settings. The transition from classroom to employment can feel overwhelming.
However, a Surrey Supported Internship programme designed to support NEET young people with additional needs is being extended following the successes of its latest cohort. Find details about the next cohort at the end of this story.
The programme is proving that with the right support, mentoring and opportunities, all young people have the chance to thrive.
30 young people with additional needs aged 18-24 classed as NEET were involved in the programme. They did not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Many participants had experienced significant barriers to education and employment, including poor mental health, low confidence, social isolation, limited qualifications and long periods of disengagement.
The programme has achieved outstanding outcomes across the board:
- 100% remained engaged throughout the programme or achieved a positive outcome.
- 44% secured paid employment.
- 27% progressed into further or higher education.
- 9 participants undertook English and Maths qualifications, with 89% achieving their English qualification and 45% achieving their Maths qualification.
The impact of the programme extends beyond employment and education outcomes; participants reported increased confidence, improved communication, enhanced wellbeing and greater independence.
Strong friendships were also developed throughout the cohort, helping to reduce individual’s social isolation and increase community participation.
The programme has helped young people develop the skills and confidence to travel independently, enabling greater access to education, employment and community opportunities.
For many participants, the alternative would have been continued unemployment, no engagement in education or training and limited involvement in community life.
Louise Hayes, Operations Director at Surrey Choices, said, ‘For many of the young people we work with, the barriers to employment are significant, but they are not insurmountable.
‘With personalised support, real workplace experience and employers willing to recognise potential, young people can achieve remarkable outcomes.
‘We are delighted to have received renewed funding via the Department for Education to continue this important project. There is limited provision and a huge appetite for support amongst this cohort of young people who often fall through the gaps.’
Funding has been secured for the next year of the programme, increasing capacity to 40 young people from September 2026 to August 2027.
Surrey Choices argues that the success of the programme has been underpinned by strong partnerships working across Surrey, including collaborations with East Surrey College, Surrey County Council’s SEND and NEET teams, employers, Jobcentre Plus and education providers.
The programme continues to welcome employers and other partners who want to support inclusive recruitment, help close the disability employment gap and create meaningful opportunities for young people across Surrey.
You can find out more information at www.surreychoices.com
In other news, the children’s commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has said that parents of children who are seriously ill or disabled should get paid leave from work.