Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Students’ taste of life in NHS
EIGHT students have graduated from a groundbreaking project driven by Dundee & Angus College to help young people overcome significant challenges.
Bradley Evans, Kyle Findlay, Lennan Egan, Nadia Akesbi, Nikki Patterson, Paige Varney, Tom Fyall, and Tyler Kitch all celebrated graduating last week from DFN Project Search.
The programme, a partnership between Dundee & Angus College, NHS Tayside, and Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, provides young adults who are autistic or have learning disabilities the opportunity to break into the world of work.
Bradley was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 18 and would often miss out on activities due to anxiety.
Through the programme, he undertook various roles at NHS Tayside, from working in the laundry to handling critical tasks in the blood science and immunology labs with 100% accuracy.
Bradley has grown in confidence to the point that he gave the vote of thanks at the graduation ceremony at Ninewells Hospital.
He said: “When Project Search started back in August, I was anxious, I didn’t know what to expect of my course, but when our rotations began and I started getting real work experience, I started to feel more positive about life.
“Being trusted in a number of roles at the NHS has given me a sense of belonging. I really felt part of a team.
“It has boosted my confidence and selfesteem massively.”
Elaine Watson, director of workforce NHS Tayside, said: “NHS Tayside is delighted to partner with Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership and Dundee & Angus College to support the DFN Project Search initiative.
“We are proud to help and be involved in creating potential lifechanging experiences and opportunities for young people with challenges in their lives.
“We have been hugely impressed by the effort and commitment the participants have shown during their work placements across services, both clinical and non-clinical areas.”