A young graduate with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has made a remarkable leap from internship to paid employment, thanks to a pioneering partnership between West London NHS Trust and NHS England ‘Choices College’.
Harrison, a recent graduate of Choices College, has officially joined the team at Mahaba Café in West Ealing after completing a supported internship at the venue. His achievement represents a proud milestone for the Choices programme, which empowers neurodiverse young people through real-world work experience.
In London, one in seven adults lives with a hidden disability. In Ealing, nearly 98% of adults with learning disabilities are not in paid work. Choices College is working to change that narrative by offering supported internships to young people aged 16 to 25 with mild to moderate learning difficulties and autism. These placements provide hands-on experience in NHS and community roles, helping students build confidence, skills, and independence.
Harrison shared:
“The programme really helped me with my special needs, especially by giving one-on-one support. Having staff who understand my needs makes a big difference. I feel good about my workplace and the pay I get, as it helps me feel independent. With the staff and my parents’ guidance and support, I feel more confident about what I want to do in the future: I’d like to be a barista.”
Mahaba Café, a valued external partner of the Trust, hosted this year’s Choices graduation ceremony and continues to champion inclusive hiring practices. The café offers a safe and empowering space for neurodiverse individuals to learn, grow, and thrive, making Harrison’s new role a powerful example of what inclusive education and employment can achieve.
Ali Webster, Director of Organisational Development at West London NHS Trust, said:
“We’re proud to work with Choices College to support SEND interns, and even prouder of the incredible contributions they make, not just to our Trust, but to the wider community. Harrison is a shining example of this. His supported internship helped him grow in confidence, and we’re delighted that he’s now in secure employment.”
Congratulations to Harrison and all the Choices graduates.
