A Dorset MP has met a government minister to highlight support for young adults with SEND.
Vikki Slade met Andrew Western, Minister for Transformation at the Department for Work and Pensions, to discuss the work of Dorset charity SAMEE, which helps disabled young adults move into self employment.
The meeting followed a question raised by the MP in the House of Commons about the challenges young people with learning disabilities face when trying to start their own businesses.
SAMEE has supported around 2700 people over the past 10 years and runs what it describes as the world’s only supported self employed internship programme.
During discussions, issues were raised around barriers to obtaining a Unique Taxpayer Reference and how national employment schemes such as the Youth Guarantee and Connect to Work programme can better support young people with additional needs.
Following the meeting, the minister agreed to update the MP on potential changes affecting employment schemes and how charities like SAMEE could work more closely with the department.
Vikki Slade said supporting self employment can help young people build on their skills and move towards independence.
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